The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize

“Some days” (xxiii)

(to Akawu)

Some days know
the secret leaning of the heart

their auricles are acres of clay
watered by the kindest dew
their music the beat of every pulse
smiles grow in the garden of their lips

there is grace in their greeting
bliss in their blessing

a merciful moon sits
in the centre of their night

their hours ripen
in the shadows of a generous sun

when they pass
houses throw open their doors

flowers drape them
in their rarest fragrance

for them tenderness is no treason
compassion is no constraint

some days
are not allergic to softness

some days
are not afraid of being human

Niyi Osundare, The Norton Anthology of World Poetry (2012, p. 1206)

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2027 Longlist

2026 Events

Photos of the 2026 award ceremony held on January 20, 2026 @ 1000 seater capacity auditorium, University of Uyo main campus, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, at about 2PM.

Litong, a special hand-made musical instrument believed to have mystical healing ability, employed by the Litong Akorshi dance troupe founded by Prof Ushie
The Litong Akorshi lead dancer, Francis, whose late father was also a lead dancer in the days when he and Prof started the troupe
L-R: Eliongema Udofia (2026 JUPP winner), Prof Ubong Umoh (Hon Commissioner of Education, Akwa Ibom State Government), and Chijioke Michael Enechi (2026 JUPP Digital Influencer winner)
L-R: Prof Ubong Umoh (Commissioner of Education, AKSG), Prof Joe Ushie, and Prof Ndaudoh Ndaeyo (Immediate Past Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo)
Prof Ushie cheerful with the new generation poets: Chijioke Enechi and Eliongema Udofia
Prof Ushie and his family
Prof and his friends
Prof Ubong Umoh, Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State Government
Prof and his wife cutting his birthday cake
Prof sharing pleasantries with Chijioke Enechi
Prof Ushie and members of the Obudu/Obanliku community