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

  • 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Longlist
  • 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Longlist
  • 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Longlist
  • 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize 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

Latest Articles

  • 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

  • ENTRIES ARE CLOSED!

    ENTRIES ARE CLOSED!

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    We are glad to announce that entries have now closed for the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. With about 1000 submissions from over 400 poets, the 2026 prize, though the inaugural, promises to be truly captivating. All entrants are urged to maintain a positive disposition as we review the entries. There will be more… Read more

  • Call for Chapters: Critical Perspectives on Joe Ushie

    Call for Chapters: Critical Perspectives on Joe Ushie

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation and the University of Calabar Press hereby invite chapters for the volume, Critical Perspectives on Joe Ushie, under the distinguished editorship of Prof. Rome Aboh, Dr Eyoh Etim, and Dr Mathias Iroro Orhero. The volume is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost poets… Read more