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 were selected for the longlist, from which 10 outstanding poems emerged on the shortlist. The 2026 edition continues the prize’s tradition of celebrating excellence, innovation, and depth in contemporary poetry.
2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Longlist
The longlist for the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize features the following 30 poems:
- “What the Wind Remembers About Tomorrow” by Christian Emecheta
- “The Loss of God” by Ariyo Feranmi
- “The House That Ate Its Children” by Adeoso Samuel Omotayo
- “Endangered Specie” by Jewo Oghenetega
- “Yeletawa” by Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe
- “Sisyphus” by Eliongema Udofia
- “When My Man Returns Home from Sambissa” by Yohanna Daniel
- “Garden of Wonder” by Alfred Olaiya
- “Collocation” by Utibe Hanson
- “The Day the Sky Refused to Be Blue” by Paul Olayimika
- “Republic of Rage and Roses” by Osieka Osinimu Alao
- Untitled Entry by Simon Akpama
- “Navigating Valentine’s Day with Humor” by Damilola Omotoyinbo
- “Aubade with Faith” by Damilola Omotoyinbo
- “Dirges of the Scorched Earth” by Anyigor Chris Monday
- “Blood at the Gate: Elegy for Ezza Effium” by Anyigor Chris Monday
- “Dawn” by Ferdinand Emmanuel Somtochukwu
- “There’s a Blackhole Somewhere in My Body” by Akanni Festus Olaniyi
- “Ode to Joe Ushie” by Vitalis Chinecherem Iloanwusi
- “Tough Love: Memories” by Chijioke Michael Enechi
- “We Marry the Thunder to Delay the Rain” by Agbeye Oburumu
- “Transgressors” by Adesiyan Oluwapelumi
- “Something About Flowers” by Gerald Onyebuchi Ewa
- “D Is for Delta” by Ifesinachi Nwadike
- “Lagos Never Sleeps” by Chimezie Umeoka
- “Nothing More” by Utibe Hanson
- “Portrait of a Man on Fire” by Chimezie Umeoka
- “We Buried the Rain with Our Names Still in Our Mouth” by Agbeye Oburumu
- “Asphalt Prayers” by Anyigor Chris Monday
- “July 7, 1967” by Damilola Omotoyinbo
2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Shortlist
From the longlist, the judges selected 10 poems for the final shortlist. These works stood out for their artistic excellence, emotional resonance, and originality:
- “Navigating Valentine’s Day with Humour” by Damilola Omotoyinbo
- “The House That Ate Its Children” by Adeoso Samuel Omotayo
- “We Buried the Rain with Our Names Still in Our Mouth” by Agbeye Oburumu
- “Transgressors” by Adesiyan Oluwapelumi
- “Sisyphus” by Eliongema Udofia
- “What the Wind Remembers About Tomorrow” by Christian Emecheta
- “The Loss of God” by Ariyo Feranmi
- “Endangered Specie” by Jewo Oghenetega
- “Blood at the Gate: Elegy for Ezza Effium” by Anyigor Chris Monday
- “Tough Love: Memories” by Chijioke Michael Enechi
Celebrating Poetic Excellence
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize remains committed to honoring the legacy of Professor Joe Ushie by amplifying powerful poetic voices and fostering literary excellence. The 2026 longlist and shortlist reflect the richness of contemporary poetry and the urgent conversations poets continue to lead through art.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all poets who made it to the longlist and shortlist. Your work contributes meaningfully to the literary landscape, and your achievement is well deserved.
For more details about the prize, judging process, and upcoming announcements, please kindly visit the official website.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize.
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