The Nwamaka Okoye Literature Prize has underscored the importance of creative writing in promoting social values among learners. According to a statement by the group, this competition recognizes and rewards talented writers across Africa, aiming to cultivate sensitivity to life’s values through creative writing.
The statement highlighted Nwamaka Okoye’s passion for writing and her dedication to giving back to the community as motivations for establishing the prize. “Through the competition, Okoye aims to inspire writers to explore themes that promote values such as empathy, compassion, and self-awareness,” the statement read. The inaugural edition focused on the theme ‘Coming of Age,’ encouraging writers to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of growing up. The shortlisted entries demonstrated a deep understanding and sensitivity to the human experience.
Okoye, an interior designer and architect, attributed the inspiration behind the prize to a gentle nudge from her secondary school teacher, Mrs. Oligbo, who saw her potential and encouraged her to enter writing competitions. After a successful career in interior design and architecture, Okoye has returned to her “first love”—writing. Inspired by her teacher’s encouragement, she established the Nwamaka Okoye Literature Prize competition in poetry and short stories.
The prize presentation event was held in collaboration with Alliance Française and supported by Wilsons Juice, Route2Market, Lagos Talks, BO Events, Decagon, and Kontessa. The event featured performances by the Elevate Poetry Group and poetry renditions by notable guests, including the Executive Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Uzoma Ezeoke, and the CEO of Kedari Capital, Ms. Ifeoluwa Fashola.
A 132-page coffee table book, ‘Coming of Age,’ was unveiled, featuring all the shortlisted entries. Proceeds from the book will support the 2025 edition of the competition.
Those shortlisted and their works include:
- Anuoluwa Soneye, Here, Silence is God’s Commandment
- Michael Imossan, My Forgiveness is a Blooming Lily
- Chinecherem Enujioke, Possession Does Not Happen By Chance
- Onyedikachi Johnson, Budding
- Oluwapelumi Adesiyan, For Mama’s Boys
- Osieka Alao, Ocean Viking
- Moses Ezeh, Song for the Coming Age
- Ifeanyi Omife, The Martyrdom of Self
- Chiamaka Obinna-Chukwu, The Price of Wings
- Wasilah Oyekan, When She Comes of Age
Dignitaries at the event included CEO Megalectrics, Mr. Chris Ubosi; founder and Executive Director, Bethesda Child Support Agency, Mrs. Nkoyo Rapu; former ADC gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State in the 2023 elections, Mr. Funsho Doherty; Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; Mr. Tunde Oduwole; Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole; and Mr. John Obaro among many others.