Custodian of African Literature popularly known as COAL is a non-government organization which spreads health awareness through impactful narratives. In commemoration of the 2nd year of the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Disasters campaign, a literary contest was held to challenge writers. The winners of this memorable competition were recently announced on all COAL social media platforms.
The Art4life Campaign had various categories covering different dimensions of art. All entries revolved around the theme “avoidable deaths.” The goal of this initiative was to challenge writers to spread awareness in an artistic and impactful way. There were ten distinguished entries which captured the attention of the judges and expressed the true intentions of the Art4Life Campaign. The winning entries are listed below.
Flash Fiction Winners
Chisom Nsiegbuna—”Little Bodies”
Solomon Hamza—”No Acquaintance with Tomorrow”
Kehinde Adedayo—”A Race To Dust”
Michelle Nnanyelugo—”Red Ribbons”
Poetry Winners
Talyoung Younglan—”Playing With Water”
Onobhamiukor God’s Gift—”Epiphany”
Onyishi Chukwuebuka—”Freedom Sky Raining Flowers”
Abdulrazaq Salihu—”We Will Be Happy In Deaths”
Photography Winners
Chrisantus Na’anlong Temswang—”Beyond The Bite”
Bukunmi Oyewole—”Ocean Surge Aftermath”
The panel of judges include award-winning writer and JAY Lit’s Managing Editor Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, multidisciplinary artist Emma Kennedy, award-winning poet S. E. Su’eddie Vershima Agema, Zambian poet and advocate Vanessa Chisakula, and mass media specialist Anre John.
The campaign was hosted in partnership with the University of Leicester, Avoidable Death Network and the SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative. The contest had a significant reach and attracted creative submissions from far and wide, receiving 104 submissions from 5 African countries.
The Art4Life Campaign is a truly significant project. It advocates for life preservation and the need for caution and health awareness in African societies. The winners truly embedded these values in their entries and their works will go a long way to fighting for a safer and healthier society.
Congratulations to all outstanding creatives on this big win!
Oreoluwa Odusote
Writer, poet, and dreamer.
