The longlist for the 2025 Quickbite Poetry Contest has been released, with 26 poets selected from a pool of 93 entries submitted nationwide.
The announcement, made by literary platform InkspiredNG, follows a reading and selection process led by a panel of volunteer readers. The contest, now an annual tradition, aims to spotlight emerging poetic voices and promote contemporary Nigerian literature.
The full list includes:
- Jesunifemi Olatubosun
- Mide Manuel
- Avril Shakira Villar
- Rasheed Ayinla Shehu
- Umar Faruk Hadi-Almu
- Eliongema Udofia
- Junaid Olaitan
- Helen Are
- Imafidon Aisosa
- Graciano Enwerem
- Poetic Dave
- Isaac Ayodeji
- Abolade Oluwakemi
- Egharevba Terry
- Ferdinand Emmanuel Somtochukwu
- Bakare Temitope
- Paschal Ezeokafor
- Adamu Yahuza
- Emmanuel G G Yamba
- Gerald Onyebuchi
- Gift Onobhamuikor
- Daud Fareedah
- Walter Bapela
- Maryam Dalhatu
- Ademeyo Zainab Adeoti
- Atemnkeng Emiliene
The shortlist is expected to be released in the coming weeks, followed by the final winner announcement later in the year.
Congratulations to all longlisted poets!

Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!