….As organizers increase cash prizes

By Adesina Wahab

Miss Victoria Ogoke of the Mass Communication Department, Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, has emerged the winner of this year’s poetry competition of Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries, ZODML. She won a cash prize of N500,000 in the process.

Miss Rachel Ajisafe, a Law student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State came second and won N300,000 cash prize in the process, while Jones Udofia, a Quantity Surveying student of the University of Uyo, came third and got N200,000 cash prize.

Two others namely Fadipe Aliyah Ajoke of College of Nursing Science, Igbobi, Lagos and Igbokwe Chima Roseline, a medical student of Abia State University, Uturu, got honourable mentions and were also given N100,000 each.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of ZODML, Mrs Ifeoma Esiri, said, “This year has been extraordinary. We received 2,356 submissions from 140 tertiary institutions across 36 states and the FCT. For comparison, last year’s edition had 1445 submissions from 120 institutions across 35 states and the FCT. “This growth reveals a powerful truth: students in public tertiary institutions across the country are hungry for spaces where their talents can take root, unfold, and be seen.

It perfectly captures the spirit behind this year’s theme: “Seeds of Tomorrow.” A theme we chose not merely as a poetic flourish, but as a reminder of how the future works. A seed is small, quiet, and almost unnoticeable. Yet inside it is an entire forest waiting for the right moment to emerge. Seeds carry potential—unrealized, unseen, but undeniable.

“In a time when the world feels unpredictable and fast-moving, we often forget that every lasting change begins deep underground—where no one is watching. Growth is rarely glamorous in its early stages. It requires patience, nurturing, and the courage to push through difficult times.

‘The 10 longlisted poems we celebrate today are exactly that: small beginnings with the power to grow into something greater. These poems explore the questions we are learning to ask, the identities we are shaping, and the dreams taking root within us.

“We also made a deliberate effort to nurture this ‘garden’ of talent by significantly increasing the prizes for this edition:

The winner receives ₦500,000 (up from ₦250,000).The first runner-up, ₦300,000 (up from ₦150,000). The second runner-up, ₦200,000 (up from ₦100,000). And two honourable mentions receive ₦100,000 each (up from ₦50,000).

“These increases are our way of encouraging young writers—helping their creativity flourish and their confidence grow.”

She also thanked the panel of judges led by Mr Trade Ipadeola, for their painstaking assessment of the entries and their support.

The Vice Chancellor, the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Head of Department of English Language, Prof. Augustine Nwagbara, commended the organisers for the initiative and their consistent support for the promotion of literary activities.

In her speech, Ogoke Victoria thanked ZODML for the opportunity given to the young ones to express their talents.