Why would a poet say, “Do not die in their wars,” when the world is still reeling from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the countless victims did not choose to be victims? This is a valid question, but the poet is right because war neither begins nor ends on its own.
Humans are the ones who start wars and, deliberately or unknowingly, create the conditions that eventually destroy them and other innocents.
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— Kukogho Iruesiri Samson
These poems are the top 20 poems of the BRIGITTE POIRSON POETRY CONTEST (BPPC) April/May 2022. Poets featured in this edition are Olajuwon Joseph Olumide, Blessing Omeiza Ojo, Jewo Oghenetega, Praise Ebirim, Hassan A. Usman, Zion Ayomide Shittu, Nnadi Samuel, Franklyn Orode, Olafisoye-Oragbade Oluwatosin David, Ude Vivian Chidimma, Tanimonure Richards Adewale, Paul Abiola Oku-ola, Chukwuma-Eke Pacella Chioma, Tobun Pelumi Omofolawe, Olumide Manuel, Ogedengbe Tolulope Impact, Okoronkwo Chisom, Oyelami Bright Oladipupo, Oluwamuyiwa Gabriel, and Peace Nkeiruka Maduako. The BPPC is a monthly writing contest aimed at rewarding the under-appreciated talent of young Nigerian poets. It awards ₦30,000 in prize money to the top three entries.
