Writers Launch Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition 

 To mark the forthcoming 70th birthday of Dr. Wale Okediran, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), the Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition has been launched. 

This competition is open to young and emerging writers aged 25 years or younger. Submission Guidelines include free verse or stanza format with a maximum of 20 lines in English language. 

However, submissions are expected to be in Microsoft Word, typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, and double-line spaced. 

Other details include the poet’s name, phone/ WhatsApp number, and email address. 

The organisers also said entrants must provide valid proof of age, such as a National ID Card, Birth Certificate, or any other official identification, to confirm they are 25 years old or younger and eligible to participate. 

Submissions should be sent with the subject line WO@70 to: waleokediranpoetrycompetition@gmail.com and copy woleadedoyin@ gmail.com. 

Monetary prizes will be awarded to the top three winners as follows: 1ST PRIZE: N50,000 2ND PRIZE: N30,000 3RD PRIZE: N20,000. 

Additionally, ten honorable mentions will be recognized and all prize winners will receive certificates of achievement. All participants will be issued certificates of participation and the top 20 outstanding entries will be compiled and published as an e-book to immortalise the competition and its contributions to Nigerian literature. 

The competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of literary professionals which include Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma – Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja (Chairperson); Khalid Imam– Published Poet and Arts Curator and Akudo Nkemjika Okeke – Poet, Scriptwriter, and Screenwriter.