POPALS Poetry Prize
Honoring Pius Enahoro Oleghe's legacy by celebrating exceptional African poetry and empowering the next generation of storytellers.
Submit Your EntryPius Oleghe Poetry Competition
Join Nigeria's premier poetry competition celebrating authentic voices and exceptional storytelling that envision the Nigeria of our dreams.
Submission Deadline
TBA 2026
Eligibility
Nigerian Citizens/Residents
Total Prize Pool
₦5,000,000
Categories
Young Voices & Emerging Poets
About the Competition
The Pius Oleghe Poetry and Literary Awards celebrates Nigerian voices and honors the legacy of Pius Enahoro Oleghe, a literary titan who dedicated his life to elevating African storytelling. This competition seeks to discover and nurture exceptional poetic talent across Nigeria.
All entries must respond to the theme: "The Nigeria of Our Dreams". We welcome original, unpublished poetry from Nigerian citizens and residents aged 12-35 years. Winners receive substantial cash prizes and recognition within Nigeria's literary community.
Whether you're a young voice discovering your craft or an emerging poet shaping Nigerian literature, the Pius Oleghe Poetry Competition provides a platform to share your vision of a better, just, peaceful, and inspiring Nigeria.
Entries in Nigerian languages are encouraged and must be accompanied by a faithful English translation.
Competition Theme
The Nigeria of Our Dreams
Competition Categories
Two categories celebrating poetry across different age groups
Grand Prize
₦2,500,000
Category A
Young Voices
12-17 years
This category celebrates the imagination and hopes of young people. Poems should explore personal or collective visions of a better, just, peaceful, or more inspiring Nigeria.
Category Features:
- Open to Nigerian poets aged 12-17 years
- Celebrates youthful imagination
- Personal or collective visions welcome
- Encourages creative exploration
Grand Prize
₦2,500,000
Category B
Emerging Poets
18-35 years
This category welcomes mature, thoughtful, and creative responses to the theme. Submissions may be lyrical, narrative, experimental, or traditional in form.
Category Features:
- Open to Nigerian poets aged 18-35 years
- Mature, thoughtful responses
- Any form: lyrical, narrative, experimental
- Original engagement with the theme
Eligibility Requirements
Please review these requirements carefully before submitting your work
You Are Eligible If:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen or resident
- Age 12-17 (Category A) or 18-35 (Category B)
- Poem must respond to theme: "The Nigeria of Our Dreams"
- Original, unpublished poem in English or Nigerian language
- Must provide English translation if in Nigerian language
- Only one poem per entrant
Not Eligible If:
- Previously published poems (online or print)
- Poems not responding to the official theme
- Group or collaborative submissions
- Plagiarized or AI-generated content
- Hate speech or content inciting violence
- Infringement on the rights of others
Age Verification
Proof of age may be requested at the shortlisting stage. Please ensure you can provide valid identification if needed.
Nigerian Languages Encouraged
We encourage entries in Nigerian languages! However, a faithful English translation must accompany your original poem.
Disqualification Policy
Plagiarized or AI-generated entries will be immediately disqualified. All submissions are screened for originality and authenticity.
Submission Guidelines
Follow these steps to submit your poetry entry
Prepare Your Poem
Ensure your poem is original, unpublished, and between 40-60 lines.
- Format: PDF or DOCX only
- Maximum file size: 5MB
- Include title and line numbers
- Use standard fonts (Times New Roman, Arial)
Complete Application
Fill out the online submission form with accurate personal information.
- Provide full legal name
- Enter valid date of birth
- Specify nationality and residence
- Write a brief bio (150-200 words)
Identity Verification
Upload a clear copy of your identification document for age verification.
- Accepted: Passport or Driver's License
- Format: JPG, PNG, or PDF
- Maximum file size: 3MB
- Document must show date of birth
Submit & Confirm
Review all information, accept terms, and submit your entry.
- Double-check all information
- Accept terms and conditions
- Receive email confirmation
- Track submission status
Important Submission Notes
Before Submission:
- • Proofread your poem carefully
- • Verify all personal information
- • Ensure files meet format requirements
- • Save a copy for your records
After Submission:
- • Check email for confirmation
- • Note your submission ID
- • No edits allowed after submission
- • Results announced by October 2026
Judging Criteria
Submissions are evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges based on the following criteria
Originality & Voice
Unique perspective, authentic voice, and fresh approach to subject matter.
Creativity & Innovation
Imaginative use of language, metaphors, and poetic devices.
Technical Mastery
Command of language, structure, rhythm, and poetic form.
Emotional Impact
Ability to evoke emotions, resonate with readers, and leave lasting impressions.
Judging Process
Initial Screening
All submissions are screened for eligibility, AI-generated content, and plagiarism using advanced detection tools.
Anonymous Review
Qualified submissions undergo blind review by our panel of judges. Personal information is hidden to ensure fair evaluation.
Final Selection
Top submissions are deliberated by the full judging panel to select winners in each category.
Winner Announcement
Winners are announced publicly and notified directly. Results are expected by October 2026.
Prizes & Awards
Total prize pool of ₦5,000,000 across both categories
Category A
Young Voices
Ages 12-17
Grand Prize
₦2.5M
Celebrating the imagination and hopes of young people who dare to dream of a better Nigeria through their poetry.
Category B
Emerging Poets
Ages 18-35
Grand Prize
₦2.5M
Recognizing mature, thoughtful, and creative responses from poets shaping the future of Nigerian literature.
Important: Prize distribution within each category will be determined and announced alongside the final results. Multiple winners may be recognized in each category.
Additional Benefits for Winners
Theme: "The Nigeria of Our Dreams" • Results announced 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the competition
Click the "Join Competition" button to access our online submission form. You'll need to provide your personal information, upload your poem (PDF or DOCX format), and submit a valid ID for age verification. The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Reach out to us for any additional questions or concerns.
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