KWARA CAMPUS POETRY CHAMPIONSHIP Shortlists Eight For October 24 Final
The organisers of the Kwara Campus Poetry Championship (KCPC) are pleased to announce the shortlist for the ARA Aderinoye Literary Prize, a special literary prize established as part of the 2026 Kwara Campus Poetry Championship.
The shortlisted poets emerged from a highly competitive pool of more than 70 entries received from poets responding to the theme of the Prize: “Gender Relations, Social Responsibility and Shared Nation Building.”
Following a rigorous selection process, eight poets have advanced to the final stage of the competition across the Kwaran and Non-Kwaran categories.
In a statement, the Convener of the Kwara Campus Poetry Championship, Dr. Al-Amin Mohammad El-Nasir, commended the quality, creativity and thematic depth demonstrated by the poets who participated in the competition.
He noted that the strong level of participation reflects the growing interest in poetry as a platform for creative expression, civic engagement and social transformation.
The ARA Aderinoye Literary Prize is designed to recognise and encourage emerging poetic voices whose works demonstrate artistic excellence while engaging meaningfully with issues of gender relations, social responsibility and the collective task of nation building.
SHORTLISTED POETS
Kwaran Category
1. Olaniyi Aishat Omolara
2. Shiloh Princess Owolabi
3. Anthonia Zibiri
4. Opeyemi Aweda
Non-Kwaran Category
1. Mustafa Linda
2. Mark Ighile
3. Gbajumo Zeanulabiideen
4. Salami Olatunji Yusuf
The organisers emphasise that the shortlist is presented in no particular order, and the selection of the finalists does not indicate a ranking among the shortlisted poets.
The winners of the ARA Aderinoye Literary Prize will be announced and formally recognised at the Grand Finale of the 2026 Kwara Campus Poetry Championship, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 24 October 2026 at Ilorin Innovation Hub, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The organisers congratulate all the shortlisted poets on reaching this important stage of the competition and commend all participants whose submissions contributed to the success of the Prize.
The KCPC also appreciates the literary community, partners, judges, mentors and supporters whose contributions continue to strengthen the initiative and its commitment to nurturing young creative voices in Kwara State and beyond.