The 2024 Kukogho Iruesiri Samson Poetry Prize has revealed its winners, celebrating a new wave of poetic voices that speak of the beauty of present day life.
Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe took home the winner’s prize for his poem ‘O Cidade’, an amazing piece that swallows other pieces up.
Now in its latest edition, the KIS Poetry Prize has established itself as a space that nurtures emerging talent and spotlights the power of poetry to engage, protest, and inspire. Created by Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, the prize stands as a personal and collective commitment to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian literature.
This year’s winners are:
- Winner: ‘O Cidade’ by Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe
- First Runner Up: ‘Udu’ by Osahon Oka
- Second Runner Up: ‘Miracle Markets’ by Fatihah Quadri Eniola
Two other poets made it to the finalist:
- ‘Humble Vandalism’ by I Echo
- ‘Heavenly Descent’ by Divine Inyang Titus.
The prize comes with a shared pool of N250,000. Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe received N125,000 as the top prize. Osahon Oka was awarded N83,000, while Fatihah Quadri Eniola took home N41,000.
Congratulations Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe, Osahon Oka, Fatihah Quadri Eniola, I Echo, and Divine Inyang Titus on your well deserved win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
