Spreading the Joy of Writing through Nwamaka Okoye Literature Prize Competition

Victoria Ojiako 

 A writer’s ink is more precious than gold.”* – _African Proverb_ 

Nwamaka Okoye’s writing journey began with encouragement from her secondary school teacher, Mrs. Oligbo who was at that time vice principal at Federal Government College, Onitsha, Anambra State. This teacher saw her talent and convinced her to enter writing competitions, which she went on to win at regional, national, and international levels.

After pursuing a career in interior design and architecture, Mrs. Okoye has returned to her “first love” – writing. Inspired by her teacher’s encouragement, she is giving back to the society through the Nwamaka Okoye Literature Prize competition in poetry and short stories.

The competition, established by GearShift Africa, recognizes and rewards talented writers across Africa. The inaugural edition received about 400 entries, with 162 poems and 212 short stories. A panel of judges selected the winners, who were announced at a ceremony held at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The winners in the poetry category were Anuoluwa Soneye (1st position), Chiamaka Obinna-Chukwu (2nd position), and Ifeanyi Omife (3rd position). In the short story category, Triumph Olisekodiaka emerged as the winner, followed by Adewunmi Osonoiki (2nd position) and Munachimso Okafor (3rd position).

The event a collaboration with Alliance Française and supported by Wilsons Juice, Route2Market, Lagos Talks, BO Events, Decagon, Kontessa and other sponsors featured performances by the Elevate Poetry Group and poetry renditions by notable guests, including Ms. Uzoma Ezeoke, Executive Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Ifeoluwa Fashola, CEO Kedari Capital, and Mrs. Nwamaka Okoye herself. A 132 page coffee table book, “Coming of Age,” was launched, featuring all 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 that graced the high octane event included Mr. Chris Ubosi, CEO Megalectrics, Mrs. Nkoyo Rapu, founder and Executive Director, Bethesda Child Support Agency, Mr. Funsho Doherty former, ADC gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State in the 2023 elections, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Mr.Tunde Oduwole,  Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, Mr. John Obaro among many others.

Mrs. Okoye expressed her excitement about celebrating emerging writers and inspiring them to continue sharing their stories. GearShift Africa remains committed to supporting the literary community and promoting the arts. The Nwamaka Okoye Literature Prize is a testament to the power of writing and the impact it can have on individuals and society.

The competition has already made a significant impact on the literary landscape, providing a platform for new and unpublished voices to be heard. As the competition continues to grow, it is clear that Mrs. Okoye’s passion for writing and her commitment to giving back to the community will inspire a new generation of writers.