Instituted in 2012 and powered by Authorpedia Publishers in partnership with Words Rhymes & Rhythm / Cọ́nscìò Magazine, the prize has grown into Nigeria’s longest-running poetry prize, consistently providing emerging poets with an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage.
Over the years, the competition has contributed immensely to the development of the country’s literary culture, offering recognition to talented poets and encouraging creative expression among young writers.
Through its sustained commitment to poetry and literary excellence, the prize has positively impactedNigeria’s creative community and inspired a new generation of poets.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of Words Rhymes & Rhythm, Samson Iruesiri Kukogho, described the EOPP as far more than a contest.
“The EOPP is more than a competition; it is a historical invitation,” Kukogho said, emphasising the platform’s role in building lasting literary legacies for participating writers.
Since its inception, the prize has produced a number of distinguished winners whose works continue to contribute to Nigeria’s vibrant literary scene.
In the 2025 edition, Aremu emerged as the first-place winner, while Obiotika secured the second position and Adebola finished third. The 2024 edition saw Michael Agunbiade claim the top prize, followed by Ehiorobo Derek in second place and Eliongema Udofia in third.
Other past winners include Ifiokobong Etuk (2023), Olalekan Daniel Kehinde (second place, 2023) and Nnadi Samuel (third place, 2023). Earlier recipients of the prestigious award include Oluwafisayo Akinfolami (2022), while the prize was not awarded in 2021. In 2020, Ayokunle Samuel Betiku emerged as the winner.
The list of laureates also features David Chimereze Okafor (2019), Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto (2018), Mesioye Johnson (2017), Frank Eze (2016), Ajise Vincent (2015), Darlington Ekene Ogugua (2014), Madu Chisom Kingdavid (2013) and Nwakanma Chika, the inaugural winner in 2012.
Observers say the continued success of the prize highlights the importance of literary initiatives in promoting intellectual creativity and strengthening Nigeria’s cultural identity.
Organisers have expressed appreciation to the various judges, partners and participants who have contributed to the prize’s growth over the years, noting that their dedication has helped sustain the vision of celebrating poetry as a powerful tool of expression and social reflection.
As the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize continues to evolve, stakeholders in the literary community believe it will remain a vital platform for discovering and nurturing poetic talent, while documenting the voices and stories that shape Nigeria’s cultural narrative.
For more information about the prize and related literary initiatives, interested readers can visit Authorpedia Publishers at authorpedia.net and Words Rhymes & Rhythm / Cọ́nscìò Magazine at wrr.ng.