Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition Winners Announced

 

WALE OKEDIRAN @ 70 POETRY COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

 

The organizers of the Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition are pleased to officially announce the winners of the literary contest. The competition, which drew participation from young and talented Nigerian poets across the country, was established to honour the enduring literary contributions of Dr. Wale Okediran—renowned author, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).

Specifically designed for Nigerian writers under the age of 25, the Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition aims to discover and amplify new literary voices while celebrating the legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost literary trailblazers. This year’s entries demonstrated not only the creative vitality of Nigerian youth but also their commitment to using literature as a means of expression, reflection, and advocacy.

The judging panel, chaired by Professor Mabel Evwierhoma of the Department of Dramatic Arts, University of Abuja, carefully reviewed the entries and shortlisted five outstanding works. She was supported by an esteemed panel which included Khalid Imam, an acclaimed poet and arts curator, and Akudo Nkemjika Okeke, a poet, screenwriter, and scriptwriter. The judges praised the submissions for their originality, emotional resonance, and thoughtful engagement with a wide range of themes.

After thorough deliberation, the winners were announced as follows: First Prize – “A Sojourner” by Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza; Second Prize – “Sambisa Girl” by Nwegbo Miracle; and Third Prize – “Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink” by Abdulmumeen Humulkhair Olamipo. Two poets received Honourable Mentions: “A Bloom, A Breath and A Song” by Deborah Usak and “For Wale Okediran at 70” by Adegoke Oluwabukunmi.

Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza, winner of the First Prize, is a Senior Secondary School 2 student at Government College Ibadan. A budding poet, Abdulrazaq draws inspiration from his environment, teachers, and literary legends such as Niyi Osundare, Tade Ipadeola, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie, and Dr. Wale Okediran himself. His poem “A Sojourner” reflects an insightful and mature poetic voice that impressed the judges.

Second Prize winner, Miracle Nwegbo, is a medical student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. In addition to being a poet, Miracle is also an essayist and photographer. He sees poetry as a powerful, melodic tool capable of social transformation. His prize-winning piece, “Sambisa Girl”, captures deep emotional themes through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression.

Abdulmumeen Humulkhair Olamipo, who won the Third Prize, hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, and is a penultimate student at the University of Ilorin. Her poem “Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink” pays tribute to the celebrant with lyrical elegance and thematic depth. Known for weaving emotion into every stanza, Humulkhair continues to hone her poetic skills with great dedication.

To collect their prize certificates and monetary awards, the winners are kindly requested to contact the competition coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, via email at woleadedoyin@gmail.com. The organizers extend their gratitude to all participants and encourage them to continue nurturing their literary talents.

The Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition not only celebrates the legacy of a literary icon but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of Nigerian literature. Through initiatives like this, the voices of the next generation of writers are being empowered, amplified, and given the recognition they deserve.

 

Onike, Ogundimu to Headline April Edition of Ibadan Book Talk

ONIKE, OGUNDIMU TO HEADLINE APRIL EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK TALK

 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) is thrilled to announce that two outstanding Ibadan-based creatives, Luqman Kolawole Onike (popularly known as Olukumo) and Ogundimu Temiloluwa, will headline the April edition of its monthly literary event, Ibadan Book Talk. Scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the event will take place at the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, and will commence by 12:00 PM.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, who expressed great excitement over the choice of speakers. He highlighted the event as an opportunity for lovers of literature and art to witness the fusion of written, spoken, and visual creativity, noting that Onike and Temiloluwa represent the future of Nigeria’s artistic and literary expression.

This edition of Ibadan Book Talk is being organized in collaboration with the Redeemed Writers Network (REDNET) and Global Word Crafters (GLOWCRAFT). Together, these organizations aim to foster unity in the literary community and to create a space for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration among writers, poets, artists, and literary enthusiasts from across the city and beyond.

Luqman Kolawole Onike, known in literary and artistic circles as Olukumo, is a multi-talented creative whose work transcends literature, performance poetry, culture, and social advocacy. Originally from Iseyin in Oyo State and currently residing in Ibadan, Onike uses the power of Yoruba poetry to address pressing societal issues while celebrating tradition and cultural identity.

Over the years, Onike has performed at several reputable literary and cultural events, including Nibstare Poetry Café, WORDS, RHYME and RHYTHM, Fadaka Festival, and the Beautiful Nubia concert. His compelling voice and stage presence have earned him features on television stations such as Startime Yoruba, Itage Television, and Orisun TV. His work is also widely distributed on YouTube and other digital platforms.

In addition to his poetry, Onike is an accomplished actor, film producer, and on-air personality. His rich creative portfolio includes works such as Olukumo (2017), Ekun Mekunnu (2018), ÀRỌDÁ (2018), Àwùjọ Odaju (2019), AKOKO (2023), Tewe Tegbo (2024), and his latest project, IGI EL’Ẹ̀GÚN (2025). With each work, he seeks to inspire, inform, and entertain, while preserving the essence of Yoruba storytelling.

Joining Onike is the rising visual artist Ogundimu Temiloluwa, a student of Visual Arts at the Federal College of Education. Temiloluwa is gaining recognition for an artistic style defined by fine detail, emotional depth, and creative innovation. With a particular interest in painting and pencil drawing, Temiloluwa uses art to convey complex ideas and evoke powerful emotions.

Temiloluwa credits much of his growth to the mentorship and influence of the renowned artist, Smog Art. Under this guidance, he has developed a unique artistic voice that continues to evolve with every new project. His participation in this month’s edition of Ibadan Book Talk will give attendees a glimpse into the intersections of visual art and literature.

The Ibadan Book Talk continues to serve as a vital platform for engaging creatives in thought-provoking dialogue and showcasing their work to a wider audience. The April edition promises to be a vibrant blend of poetry, storytelling, and visual artistry—a must-attend event for all lovers of culture and creativity.