Uzoigwe Miracle, Aremu Adejare Win Maiden Edition of 2026 Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize

Uzoigwe Miracle and Aremu Goodness Adejare have been named the winners of the first-ever Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize, following a rigorous selection process by an independent panel of judges. The competition, organized by the Pius Oleghe Poetry and Literary Awards (POPALS), centered on the theme "Nigeria of Our Dreams" and drew a wide array of submissions from poets across Nigeria.

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a rigorous adjudication process conducted by an independent panel of distinguished judges.

The organizers highlighted the exceptional quality of entries, which demonstrated the rich literary talent among emerging and young Nigerian poets. They emphasized poetry's enduring role in fostering imagination, hope, and national reflection. Uzoigwe Miracle secured the award in Category A for Young Voices (12–17 years) with a poem praised for its creativity and originality. Aremu Goodness Adejare won Category B for Emerging Poets (18–35 years) for an outstanding work distinguished by artistic excellence and a thoughtful engagement with the competition's theme.

In a joint statement, Literary Directors Prof. Remi Raji and Nnamdi Okose congratulated the winners and acknowledged all participants. They announced that shortlisted poems would be published in the inaugural Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize Anthology. The committee expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response, which reaffirms Nigeria's continuous production of gifted poets whose voices merit recognition and support.

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Nigeria of Our Dreams

The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. The Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize, organized by the National Association of Seadogs, honors one of its founders, the late Pius Oleghe. The committee remains committed to discovering, nurturing, and celebrating literary excellence while providing platforms for emerging writers in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

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As the Pius Oleghe Poetry Prize begins its journey, we remain committed to discovering, nurturing, and celebrating literary excellence while creating opportunities for emerging writers to share their work with wider audiences across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.