The annual Quramo Festival of Words in Lagos, Nigeria, saw two writers emerge winners from two competitions: the flagship Quramo Writers’ Prize and Poetry Slam competition. The Quramo Writers’ Prize jury, consisting of head judge Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, writer and publisher Mrs. Lechi Eke, and journalist/writer Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, praised the winning story, ‘Dear Zini’, as a poignant exploration of a young woman’s journey through life’s unexpected twists and turns. The narrative skillfully employs the first-person point of view to immerse readers in Zimife’s world, capturing the nuances of her emotional rollercoaster with authenticity. The story also delves into the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and the search for identity. The festival concluded with the announcement of the eventual winner, Chiziterem Chijioke, with her manuscript ‘Dear Zini’.
The novel, ‘Dear Zini’, is a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in contemporary Nigerian society. The novel’s originality, coherence, narrative strength, language, and dramatic intensity make it a deserving contender. The jury, led by Jury head Imasuen, evaluated 20 manuscripts based on five key parameters: originality, literary quality, thematic depth, character development, and overall impact. After several weeks of rigorous assessment, the jury selected five exceptional manuscripts, which demonstrated remarkable creativity and captured the essence of storytelling in distinct and compelling ways. The shortlisted authors deserve commendation for their dedication and artistic vision. The final decision reflects the essence of the literary prize and the standards it upholds.
The other five works included True Bakare’s ‘Summer Blooms’, Mujahid Ameen Lilo’s ‘Landscape of Loss’, Zainab Imam’s ‘The Lagos Love Story’, and Vera Sorochi David’s ‘Walking with Abba’. Chijoke, who recently graduated from Ajayi Crowder University, Oyo, was awarded the cash prize of N1m and a publishing contract for her work.
Twenty poets vyed for the N100,000 prize money at the Quramo Poetry Slam. After two hours, Afolabi Olayinka-Bello, better known as Bespoke, won the slam award, while Saheed Sunday took second place with N50,000. Writers, journalists, and poetry aficionados such as Jude Idada, Ajeluorou, James Murua, as well as the Quramo Festival of Words Convener, Mrs. Gbemi Shasore, and Festival Director, Lolade Alaka, were among the other contenders. The poems “The Protest,” “Lagos Palava,” “Parental Guidance,” “Redemption Computed,” and “The Price for Redemption” were among those written by Olayinka-Bello. The Beeta Universal Arts Foundation’s playwright contest winner, Achalugo Chioma Ilozumba, took part as well.
