🏆 Concern Writers and Publishers Foundation Presents
Mariaceline Ayozie’s Poetry & Writing Contest 2026
Theme: NIGERIA, MOTHER TURNED BYWORD (as Persona poem: Dramatic Monologue)
ENTRIES OPEN FROM 8TH SEPTEMBER TO 8TH NOVEMBER 2026
The Concern Writers and Publishers Foundation (CWPF) invites young Nigerian writers to participate in the 2026 edition of Mariaceline Ayozie’s Poetry & Writing Contest. This edition is limited to the poetry category only, offering an opportunity for budding poets to showcase their creativity and be recognized across the continent.
⚠️ Please Note:
For the 2026 edition of Mariaceline Ayozie’s Poetry & Writing Contest, submissions are limited to the Poetry category only
Categories You Can Submit
1. Poetry Contest (2026 Edition – Open)
Theme: NIGERIA, MOTHER TURNED BYWORD (as Persona Poem: Dramatic Monologue)
Structure: 20 lines only
Divided into 5 stanzas
Refrain between stanzas required
Submission Format: Compose in the Content box below.
2. Prose (Short Story) (Not open in this edition)
Write a compelling short story around the same theme.
Word Count: Max 1,200 words
Format: Compose in the Content box below or upload a PDF file of your Poetry
3. Drama (Not open in this edition)
Script a short drama centered on African motherhood and resilience.
Format: Stage or screenplay script in PDF
4. Academic / Research Paper (Not open in this edition)
Submit a brief, research-driven paper reflecting the theme.
Length: 3–5 pages
Format: PDF
Contest Timeline
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Opens: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
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Closes: Sunday, November 8, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all citizens of Nigeria only
- Age Requirement: 14 – 21 years
📎Identification Required (to be uploaded alongside your submission):
This is to verify both your nationality and age eligibility for the competition.
🇳🇬 For Nigerian Citizens
-
NIN data page or
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International passport data page
⚠️ Submissions without a valid ID will be considered incomplete and disqualified.
Note: Multiple entries (two or more) will result in disqualification
🏅 Awards & Prizes
Place
- 🥇 1st Prize
- 🥈 2nd Prize
- 🥉 3rd Prize
Prize
- ₦20,000
- ₦15,000
- ₦10,000
Extras
- Publication
- Publication
- Publication
Submit Your Poetry Entry
Complete the entry form and upload your means of Identification before the deadline.
