Nigerian author and poet, Isaiah Adepoju has been named the first ever recipient of Doland E. Waterfall Scholarship Fund, a scholarship that recognizes and celebrates his artistic prowess.
The Doland E. Waterfall scholarship established to support poets was founded by Cara Waterfall, in honour of first poetry mentor, her later father, Doland E. Waterfall, for his kind attention to her literary journey—how to treat Literature as a living commons.
In praising Isaiah’s poem, the judges said:
“Adepoju’s poems are fluid and rhythmic, characterized by intentional line breaks and vivid imagery. While brief, each of these poems is detailed and revolves around a strong emotional core. Osogbo and Mercy build upon foundations laid by poets Wallace Stevens and Michael Imossan, which demonstrates Adepoju’s engagement with poetry as a genre, as well as a deep commitment to forging intertextual connections.”
Upon being named the 2025 First DEW Scholar, Isaiah said:
“The least I expect is to win anything for poetry— I am still shocked—especially at this time. Winning this scholarship fund came at a time when, already at the base of my confidence as a poet, I decided to dedicate the next two years of my life to studying and writing poems.”
The scholarship honours Isaiah Adepoju with $2,200, one-year poetry writing mentorship and editorial feedback and manuscript consultation which will further enhance his writing career.
Isaiah Adepoju is a Nigerian author and poet whose work includes a book review published on JAY Lit. He is the winner of the Lagos-London Poetry Prize and a recipient of the UNDERTOW Poetry Fellowship (UK). His poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in A Long House, Brittle Paper, Poetry Translation Centre, and other notable platforms.
Congratulations, Isaiah Adepoju!
Sarah Adeyemo
Sarah Adeyemo, Swan IX, is a Nigerian poet, writer, editor, spoken word artiste and communication expert. The debut author of “The Shape of Silence”. She draws inspiration from solitude and experiences. She is a fellow of the SprinNG Writing Fellowship. Her works appeared or are forthcoming in Akpata Magazine, The Shallow Tales Review, The Muse Journal, The Weganda Review, Everscribe Magazine, Afrillhill Press, Poems For Persons Interest, TV-63 Magazine, Northern Writers Forum Journal, Eboquills, Rinna Lit. Anthologies, and elsewhere. She tweets @SarahInkspires.
