We are delighted to unveil the shortlist for the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize (EOPP) 2025.
Following thorough deliberations by the judging panel from a competitive longlist of submissions, ten outstanding poems have been selected. These works demonstrate superb craft, imaginative depth, and the poetic resonance that the EOPP seeks to recognise.
SHORTLISTED POEMS AND POETS (in no particular order)
- Pedagogue on a Harmattan Trek — Obiọtika Wilfred Toochukwu
- Autopsy of a Deceased Country — Adebola Temitayo Ogunyemi
- What Survives the Morning — Akindutire Elizabeth Abosede
- Between Two Skies — Rachael Ajisafe
- Before My Father Loved Me, He Didn’t — Chiwenite Onyekwelu
- Mathematics — Ogedengbe Tolulope Impact
- Insistence — Gloria Ameh
- The Country Practises Breathing — Aremu Goodness Adejare
- The Geography of Forgotten Cities — Awoyemi Olamilekan Israel
- Where My Name Learns to Walk Without Me — Gospel Okoro
These shortlisted poets have distinguished themselves through compelling language, thematic range, and insightful engagement with both personal and collective experience.
What Happens Next
The winners of the ₦200,000 Cash Prize will be announced on Saturday, February 21, 2026. In addition to the main prize, selected poems from the longlist will be considered for publication in the EOPP 2025 Anthology.
Heartfelt congratulations to all shortlisted poets. Your voices continue to enrich the vibrant landscape of contemporary poetry.
- 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.
