The inaugural Pius Oleghe Poetry and Literary Awards has produced its first winners: Aremu Goodness Adejare, a first-class law student at the University of Ibadan, and teenager Uzoigwe Miracle. Each received ₦1 million after impressing judges among over 145 entries from Nigeria and beyond.
Winners Announced Across Two Categories
Adejare won the Emerging Poets category for writers aged 18 to 35, while Miracle took the Young Voices category for participants aged 12 to 17. The competition, themed “Nigeria of Our Dreams,” attracted submissions from young writers across the country and internationally.
According to the organisers, the prize goes beyond the cash reward. Winners also gain publication opportunities, certificates of recognition, mentorship, and wider literary exposure.
Judging Panel and Literary Directors
An independent panel of respected literary scholars assessed the entries, including Prof. Maria Ajima, Prof. Emmanuel Sule Egya, Prof. Chimalum Nwankwo, Dr Deji Ige, and Prof. Chike Okoye. The competition was coordinated by award-winning poet and former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Prof. Remi Raji, alongside award-winning playwright Nnamdi Okose, who served as literary directors.
In a statement signed by Raji and Okose, the organisers praised the quality of submissions, calling it proof that Nigeria continues to produce exceptional literary talents.
Official Statement on Winners
“After careful deliberation, the judges selected the following winners: Category A – Young Voices (12–17 years), winner: Uzoigwe Miracle. Uzoigwe Miracle emerged as the winner in the Young Voices category, impressing the judges with exceptional creativity, originality and poetic craftsmanship,” the statement read.
“Category B – Emerging Poets (18–35 years), winner: Aremu Goodness Adejare. Aremu Goodness Adejare was selected as the winner in the Emerging Poets category in recognition of an outstanding poem distinguished by artistic excellence and thoughtful engagement with the competition theme.”
Beyond the Prize: Anthology and Future Plans
The organisers confirmed that shortlisted poems will be published in the inaugural Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize Anthology, giving more young writers a platform to have their works preserved and read by a wider audience.
Prof. Remi Raji, alongside the expert panel, celebrated the success of the maiden edition, which aims to discover and amplify emerging Nigerian poets. They thanked all participants, noting that the response demonstrates that Nigerian youths continue to produce remarkable poetry worthy of recognition.
“As the Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize begins its journey, we remain committed to discovering, nurturing and celebrating literary excellence while creating opportunities for emerging writers to share their work with wider audiences across Nigeria, Africa and beyond,” the organisers added.
The Pius Oleghe Poetry and Literary Awards was established to encourage young writers, promote literary excellence, and provide a platform for emerging Nigerian poets to showcase their talents.
