The shortlist for the Vivian Ihaza (SEVHAGE) Teen Poetry Prize 2024 has been announced, recognizing the remarkable talents of young Nigerian poets between the ages of 12 and 17.
Selected by the judging panel which comprised of Dami Ajayi, Olajide Salawu, and Rasaq Malik, the shortlisted poems, listed in alphabetical order, are:
- A Body Walks Into Grief with [ ] by Divine Okpe (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
- A Shaping Into Stormy Days & Dead Nights by Sa’ada Isa Yahaya (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
- Burning Elysium by Muhammad M. Ubandoma (Father O’Connell Science College, Minna)
- Clad Over the Starkness of Earth by Grace Orobosa (University of Benin)
- Cravings by Emmanuella Koori (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
- Demand: Marriage Rule To Be Adjusted by Racheal Dandi Madakan (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
- First Confession; A Burning Haibun by Alaga Unwomanumu (University of Port Harcourt)
- Ode to Innocence by Azizah Bello (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
- The Living Prays to Die like You by Noah Faith (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
The Vivian Ihaza (SEVHAGE) Teen Poetry Prize was established to honor the memory and legacy of Vivian Ihaza, a dedicated individual who made significant contributions to knowledge-sharing, the arts, and literary advocacy. This prize specifically focuses on young Nigerian poets, aged 12 to 17, celebrating their poetic talents and providing them with an opportunity to gain recognition for their work.
The prize is part of the broader SEVHAGE Literary Prizes, organized by SEVHAGE Publishers and the SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative. These initiatives aim to promote literary excellence and support the growth of young writers, particularly in Nigeria. The Teen Poetry Prize specifically highlights and nurtures the creativity of teenagers who are making a mark in the literary world with their poetry.
The winner will be revealed at the Benue Book and Arts Festival, scheduled for February 21–22, 2025, at Empire Suites, Makurdi.
Congratulations to all shortlisted young stars on this well-deserved recognition!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
