The ERIATA ORIBHABOR POETRY PRIZE (EOPP) is an annual literary prize instituted in November 2012 by Words Rhymes & Rhythm (WRR) in partnership with prominent Nigerian poet, essayist, editor, and social commentator Sir Eriata Oribhabor. EOPP came about to give the much-needed attention Nigerian poetry deserved and encourage young Nigerian poets to use poetry as a tool for social change.
The Prize finds its purpose in the belief that poetry and the arts are agents of social change that must be routinely encouraged.
The EOPP is a special reward mechanism for young Nigerian poets. Over the years, the contest has become the leading platform for the discovery, encouragement, and celebration of poets in Nigeria.
EOPP PAST WINNERS:
- 2023 – Ifiokobong Etuk (1st), Olalekan Daniel Kehinde (2nd) and Nnadi Samuel (3rd)
- 2022 – Oluwafisayo Akinfolami
- 2021 – Not awarded
- 2020 – Ayokunle Samuel Betiku
- 2019 – David Chimereze Okafor
- 2018 – Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto
- 2017 – Mesioye Johnson
- 2016 – Frank Eze
- 2015 – Ajise Vincent
- 2014 – Darlington Ekene Ogugua
- 2013 – Madu Chisom Kingdavid
- 2012 – Nwakanma Chika
ABOUT ERIATA ORIBHABOR
ERIATA ORIBHABOR is a prominent Nigerian poet, literary activist and publisher passionate about positive change for his country. A former Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, he is the founder of the Poets In Nigeria (PIN) Initiative and manages the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize, Festival Poetry Calabar, ArtHub, Food Poetry Prize, the PIN Quarterly Journal among other literary ventures, and supports several other literary organizations and initiatives in the country.
Oribhabor is also a proponent of Pidgin English (Naija languej) as a as a medium of literary communication and has written and edited poetry books in the language, including ‘Abuja na Kpangba an Oda puem dem’ (IFRAOribhabor, 2011) and ‘If Yu Hie Se A De Prizin: antoloji of puem-dem fo languej.’ His other books include ‘Beautiful Poisons’ and soon-to-be-released Gud Old (a collection of Essays written in English). In 2019 he published a triology of poetry books: THAT BEAUTIFUL PICTURE, COLOURS AND BORDERS, and WALKING TRUTHS.
Aside from his literary activism which has earned him the title of ‘Merchant of Poetry’, Oribhabor also manages Something for Everybody Ventures, a publishing outfit based in Lagos, Nigeria. He encourages young writers to develop their potential towards achieving their dreams and enjoys discussions on topical issues, travelling, tours and adventures.