After extensive deliberations, the EOPP judging panel carefully narrowed down an impressive longlist to ten outstanding works that exemplify poetic excellence. The shortlisted poems stand out for their superb craftsmanship, imaginative depth, and emotional resonance qualities that reflect the core values and artistic vision of the EOPP.
Shortlisted Poems and Poets (in no particular order)are :
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
According to the organisers, the shortlisted poets distinguished themselves through compelling language, thematic richness, and insightful engagement with both personal and collective experiences. The selected works traverse memory, identity, nationhood, love, loss, and survival, offering readers a powerful glimpse into the evolving landscape of contemporary poetry.
What Happens Next
The winner of the ₦200,000 cash prize will be announced on Saturday, February 21, 2026. In addition to the main award, selected poems from the longlist will be considered for publication in the EOPP 2025 Anthology, further amplifying the voices of emerging and established poets featured in the competition.
The organisers have extended heartfelt congratulations to all the shortlisted poets, commending their creativity and dedication to the art of poetry. As anticipation builds toward the final announcement, the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize continues to affirm its role as a vital platform for celebrating literary excellence and nurturing poetic voices across Nigeria and beyond.
