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)

2027 ENTRY SUBMISSION FORM

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

Latest Articles

  • Deadline Extension and Update to the Judging Panel

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation wishes to inform all prospective participants, stakeholders, and the general public of important updates regarding the 2027 edition of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation announces important updates regarding the 2026 edition of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. In response to numerous requests from poets… Read more

  • Call for Entries: 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize

    Call for Entries: 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation proudly invites submissions for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize—a prestigious award that celebrates excellence in Nigerian poetry and amplifies powerful literary voices. If you are a Nigerian poet with a compelling, original poem, now is the time to share your work with a wider audience and compete for… Read more

  • Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Award Ceremony 2026 Announced

    Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Award Ceremony 2026 Announced

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Award Ceremony 2026 has been officially announced, and literary enthusiasts, poets, scholars, and lovers of the written word are invited to gather for an unforgettable celebration of poetry, creativity, and legacy. Scheduled to hold on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the award ceremony promises an evening of literary excellence as… Read more

  • 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize: Full Longlist and Shortlist Announced

    2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize: Full Longlist and Shortlist Announced

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    The organizers of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize are delighted to officially announce the longlist and shortlist for the 2026 edition of the prize. This year’s selection showcases some of the most compelling poetic voices writing today, reflecting a wide range of themes, styles, and social engagements. After a rigorous judging process, 30 poems… Read more

  • Longlist Announcement

    Longlist Announcement

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    We are glad to finally announce that the much-awaited longlist for the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is now set to be released. With over 1000 poems submitted by over 400 poets, the tussle for the inaugural Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is already an exciting contest. Our judges have reviewed all eligible entries, and… Read more