Celebrating Literary Excellence: ZODML Poetry Prize 2024 Award Ceremony.
The highly anticipated ZODML Poetry Prize 2024 award ceremony took place on Thursday, 24th October 2024, bringing together dignitaries, the poetry prize judges, the shortlist, and students from both tertiary institutions and secondary schools, from across Nigeria. The event, organized by ZODML and sponsored by the Irish Embassy in Nigeria, Friends of Ireland, and Goethe Institut, was a resounding success, showcasing the wealth of talents that are untapped in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
The evening began with opening remarks by Mrs Ifeoma Esiri, Chair/Co-founder of ZODML, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the event. Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, delivered a goodwill message, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in shaping our society.
Bernard Nweke, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emerged as the overall winner of the poetry prize. The competition, which aimed to discover and celebrate young literary talents, saw Nweke's outstanding poem stand out among 1,445 entries.
Nweke took home the coveted prize of ₦250,000. In addition, a trophy was dedicated to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in honor of its commitment to nurturing exceptional talents.
ZODML congratulated Nweke on his achievement, praising his unique style and perspective. "We are thrilled to celebrate Bernard's exceptional talent and the university's dedication to fostering creative excellence."
Chinaza James-Ibe from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Russell Ndoboke from Niger Delta University secured the 1st and 2nd runner-up positions, respectively. Chinecherem Enujioke (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) and Chimeze Umeoka (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) received honorable mentions.
The judges, led by Tade Ipadeola, Chief Judge, along with Aduke Gomez and Achalugo Chioma Ilozumba, brought their expertise to the selection process. Aduke Gomez, representing the Irish Ambassador, praised the winners and encouraged continued excellence among young Nigerian talents.
The event featured captivating performances by Saheed Sunday, winner of the 2023 ZODML Poetry Prize, Morenikeji Adebola, a renowned poet, and Dagogo Hart Dublin-based poet, writer, playwright, performer, and spoken-word artist. The students of the University of Lagos performed a poetry slam which added an extra layer of creativity to the evening.
Ayo Obe, a trustee for ZODML in a closing remark, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and guests, emphasizing the organization's commitment to promoting literary excellence in Nigeria.
As the evening drew to a close, the audience was left inspired by the talent, creativity, and passion on display. The ZODML Poetry Prize 2024 award ceremony served as a testament to the power of literature to unite, educate, and uplift society.
Congratulations to the winners!
- Bernard Nweke (Overall Winner)
- Chinaza James-Ibe (1st Runner-up)
- Russell Ndoboke (2nd Runner-up)
- Chinecherem Enujioke (Honorable Mention)
- Chimeze Umeoka (Honorable Mention
