The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) is back for 2025!
Words Rhymes & Rhythm is proud to announce that the Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has returned for the 3rd year. After the vibrant successes of the 2023 and 2024 editions, we continue our mission to cultivate and celebrate literary talent. This year, the theme remains open, offering you the ultimate freedom to explore, innovate, and craft your unique story.
Our judges seek submissions that tell stories of the human condition with originality, creativity, and authenticity, while respecting human dignity. Your unrestricted creativity is our greatest anticipation.
The BPLP is designed for Nigerian poetry and short story writers residing in Nigeria and abroad.
Prizes to be Won
- A $400 cash prize ($200 for poetry & $200 for short fiction). There will be only one winner per category.
- The top 10 entries per category will be published in the annual BPLP anthology.
General Guidelines
- Contestants can submit only one entry, which must be the original work of the person submitting it.
- Submissions should be sent to submissions@wrr.ng in the body of the email. No attachments will be accepted.
- Length/Word Count: Maximum of 40 lines for poetry & 2000 words for short fiction.
- Submissions must include the author’s full name, a 50 to 100-word biography, and contact details.
- The email subject should be “Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2025” or “BPLP 2025.”
- Entries containing profanity, racism, violence, or any form of abuse will be automatically disqualified.
- Simultaneous submission is not allowed, and submissions cannot be withdrawn after the longlist is announced.
Judges
Iquo DianaAbasi – Award-winning Nigerian writer, editor, and performer whose works span prose, poetry, and scripts. Author of Èfó Rírò and Other Stories and Coming Undone as Stitches Tighten (NLNG Prize nominee), she blends Ibibio folklore with contemporary issues. Iquo’s works have featured in top journals, and she has performed at major African literary festivals. She edits Omenana, Africa’s leading speculative fiction magazine.
Su’eddie Vershima Agema – Award-winning Nigerian poet, short story writer, editor, and cultural activist. Winner of the ANA Poetry Prize (2014 & 2022), Mandela Day Short Story Prize, and finalist for the $100,000 NLNG Prize. He leads SEVHAGE Publishing, convenes the Benue Book & Arts Festival, and has authored several acclaimed works across poetry, fiction, and children’s literature.
Brigitte Poirson – French poet, editor, and long-time patron of African literature. She has authored multiple poetry collections, edited numerous anthologies, and co-founded major Nigerian literary prizes, including the BPPC (now BPLP) and AJPP. A tireless promoter of young African voices, she continues to champion cross-cultural literary collaborations between France and Nigeria.
Kukogho Iruesiri Samson – Nigerian novelist, poet, publisher, and arts administrator. Author of Devil’s Pawn (winner of the 2018 GTBank Dusty Manuscript Prize) and four poetry collections, he is the founder of Words Rhymes & Rhythm Ltd., which runs the BPLP. A multiple-award winner, Kukogho is also Editor-in-Chief of CỌ́N-SCÌÒ Magazine.
Please Note
- The judges’ decision is final, and neither Words Rhymes & Rhythm nor the judges will enter into correspondence with participants regarding the judging outcome.
- Words Rhymes & Rhythm may redeem prizes in Naira at prevailing rates.
- Copyright of each submission remains with its author. However, with full credit to the author, we retain the right to publish ALL and ANY entries in the annual BPLP anthology, on our website, or in our magazines.
Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Late submissions will not be considered.
Celebrate Our 2024 Winners
We proudly celebrate the winners of the 2024 edition: Gloria Ogo and Hillary Ofukocho Anfofun. Their exceptional works are featured in the BPLP 2024 anthology, available here:
About the Prize
Since its inception, the Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has stood as one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for emerging writers, honouring excellence in poetry and short fiction while fostering a culture of literary innovation. Over the years, the Prize has helped launch the careers of numerous authors whose voices continue to enrich both Nigerian and global literature.
The 2025 edition builds on this proud tradition, offering not only recognition but also concrete opportunities for growth, mentorship, and visibility. By participating, writers join a vibrant community dedicated to shaping the future of African storytelling.
- For more about the Prize’s history, mission, and past winners, visit https://authorpedia.net/csr/bppc/
- For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please reach out to us at info@wrr.ng. Our team will be happy to provide any clarification or support you may need.
