We are delighted to announce the longlist for the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize (EOPP) 2025.
Following an overwhelming response from poets across Nigeria and beyond, the judging panel has selected 30 outstanding poems that exemplify originality, emotional depth, technical skill, and imaginative range—hallmarks of the EOPP tradition.
LONGLISTED POEMS
- WE LEARNED TO SPEAK IN THE ACCENT OF A FOREIGN WIND — Excel Chinagorom Michael
- AURORA — C. S. Odili
- ON THE ROAD TO THE BEGINNING — Umar Yogiza Jr
- BEFORE MY FATHER LOVED ME, HE DIDN’T — Chiwenite Onyekwelu
- COBWEBS — Ayobami Kayode
- NAMES WE SWALLOWED — Bakare Oluwanifemi Tunmise
- IN STATE — Nkasiobinnaya Sabs-Mbonu
- WHERE MY NAME LEARNS TO WALK WITHOUT ME — Gospel Okoro
- MATHEMATICS — Ogedengbe Tolulope Impact
- WHAT SURVIVES THE MORNING — Akindutire Elizabeth Abosede
- AN EMPIRE WITHOUT URBANIZATION — S. Abdulwasi’h Olaitan
- NO ONE TOLD THE WALLS I LEFT — Busari Shukura Oyeronke
- THE GEOGRAPHY OF FORGOTTEN CITIES — Awoyemi Olamilekan Israel
- SPECTATOR ION — Segun Adesina
- WHAT THE ROAD REFUSES TO NAME — Joemario Umana
- THE COUNTRY PRACTISES BREATHING — Aremu Goodness Adejare
- PEDAGOGUE ON A HARMATTAN TREK — Obiọtika Wilfred Toochukwu
- A POEM MADE OF SIGH — Ojo Blessing
- I AM MY FATHER’S DAUGHTER — Marylin Ezeh
- WOUNDED LIGHT — Wisdom Adediji
- HARVEST OF SKULLS — Iwuagwu Ikechukwu O.
- INSISTENCE — Gloria Ameh
- LITANY TO THE SMALL GODS OF DEPARTURE — Daniel Aôndona
- THIS SCIENCE OF SILENCE — Azeez Odunjo
- A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS — Temiloluwa Olamide Ogunsanya
- THE PARLIAMENT OF DEATH — Fortune Eleojo Simeon
- BETWEEN TWO SKIES — Rachael Ajisafe
- CENTRAL MARKET — Sarah Adeyemo
- AUTOPSY OF A DECEASED COUNTRY — Adebola Temitayo Ogunyemi
- KALAKUTA — Chinecherem Enujioke
The selected poems reflect diverse voices, themes, and stylistic approaches, showcasing the vibrancy and strength of contemporary poetry.
What Happens Next
From this longlist, a shortlist will be announced following the next stage of judging. The winners and finalists for the ₦200,000 Cash Prize will be revealed on Saturday, February 7 2026. Selected poems will also be considered for publication in the EOPP 2025 Anthology.
Once again, congratulations to all longlisted poets. Your work continues to push the boundaries of poetic expression and uphold the legacy of the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize, one of Nigeria’s most respected poetry prizes.
- For more about the Prize’s history, mission, and past winners, visit https://authorpedia.net/csr/eopp/
- For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please get in touch with us at info@wrr.ng. Our team will be happy to provide any clarification or support you may need.
