Voices Of Naija: November’s Yemipoet Spoken-Word Contest Unveiled

Nov 27, 2025By yemipoetproduction.com

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Welcome to the showcase of ‘The Yemipoet November Spoken Word Contest’, held under the powerful theme “Naija Spirit Must Not Die.” Organized by Yemipoet Creation in partnership with YACSO Foundation, this edition brings together voices that celebrate resilience, culture, and unity.

1. Joseph Daniel: We Rise Still

2. Adebayo Blessing Ebunoluwa: Bones

3. Oluwafunmibi Peculiar: Voices in the Chaos 

4. Blessing Chinemerem Benjamin: Niger spirit must never die 

5. Esiobu Chisikamdi Vivian: The resilient spirit of Nigerians.

6. Alimikhena Oshiole Grace: The Naija Spirit

7. Faith Okafor: The Naija Spirit

8. Ummukulsum Musa Abba: Where Eagles Rise, We Stand

9. Ene Blessing Favour: The Niger Spirit Must Not Die 🇳🇬

10. Akintunji Dorcas Temitope: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

11. Power Oyindamola Ogunbiyi: Arise: It Must Not Die

12. Aderinmola Johnson: Still Here. Still Hopeful

13. Adejumobi Adetosho Enoch: The Green Flame 

14. Maureen Igwe: Naija Rise Like We Are Designed To Shine.

15. Ifeoluwa Oyerinde Racheal: What Nigeria Makes of Us

16. Nyior Terngu Japhet: Resilience Is The Spirit of Naija

17. Merit Eneotu Isaiah: Not Now

18. Baseerah Adegbaike Omotayo: The Fire Must Not Die

19. Nwafor John Kote: Proudly Naija

20. Iyanoye Olaoluwa Isreal: To Be Nigerian...

21. Awonusi Boluwatife Blessing: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

22. Fakunle Oluwafunmilayo: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

23. Wele Mariam Boluwatife: Naija Spirit Unbroken 

24. Olayinka-Sodipe Oluwadamilare: Naija Spirit Must Not Die 

25. Mumeenah Onaopemipo Abdulrafiu: Naija Spirit Must Not Die.

26. Aliyah Morayo: Naija Spirit Must Not Die 

27. Name: Umar Ahmed Gani:  Naija Is Not A Victim

28. Rachael Ajisafe: Naija No Dey Tire

29. Alaine Ojoajedo Akpa: The Naija Spirit, A Die Hard Spirit 

30. Wele Mariam Boluwatife: Naija Spirit Unbroken 

31. Joy Olufowora: The Naija Spirit

32. Abu Halima Sadiat: The Unbreakable Pulse of Naija 

‎33. Fortune Onyema:  Naija Spirit Must Not Die

34. Deborah Adebusayo Oke: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

35. Agboola Oluwafunmilayo Susanna: [ A Nigerian Youth]

36. Attah Promise: Lai Lai, We No Fit Die 

37. Borokinni Ifeoluwa Elizabeth: To Be Nigerian 

38. Deborah Adebusayo Oke: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

39. Cynthia Mia (Cynergy): The 9ja Spirit Persists: The Aroma of Resurrection

40. Fagbemi O. Janet: The Naija Spirit Never Dies

41. Stephnie Ebubechukwu Chimeziri: The Nigerian Spirit

42. Peace Leleji: Naija Flava

43. Victoria Onyebuchi-Ozonma: We Are Nigerians 

44. Ikade Queen Owode: Thousand Storms, Yet The Spirit Lives

45. Osborn Israel: Anikulapo: The Spirit of A Nation

46. Amakiri Justice: Naijia Spirit (Spirit of Resilience)

47. Obinna Melody: Wherever You Find Us

48. Victor Taiwo: Naija Spirit Must Not Die 


1. Name: Joseph Daniel

IG: @josephdpoet

Title: We Rise Still

We don't take NO for an answer.

Ask Enahoro, Akintola, Fani-Kayode

October 1st, 1960,

never saw the coup of independence coming.


And the entourage of freedom that followed

look between the eyes of a Nigerian,

you will see the scars of our forefathers,

you will see tribal marks

carved with the scrolls of our history.


We are not afraid of fire or the Atlantic.

We have felt what it means

to be burnt and drowned,

to be oppressed, silenced and forgotten.


Our flag has shed so much blood,

yet the white remains crystal,

and the green—greener.


This healing nation

has given birth to some of the world’s finest:

wordsmiths, artists, entertainers, creatives

whose voices echo from Lagos to London,

from Kaduna to California.


And her people

pregnant with more potential

in spite of the wounds that won’t heal.

So don’t be surprised

when we win races with a broken leg.

Because even in pain,

we rise.

Because even in chaos,

we create.

Because even in silence,

we speak.

We don’t take NO for an answer. 🇳🇬


2. Name: Adebayo Blessing Ebunoluwa 

IG handle -theblessinggift 

Title of piece -Bones

This is Nigeria, a land full of bones, 

Bones - Potentials lying around like condemned skeletons in a biology lab, 

Bones - teenagers with talents flip right and left like corn roasting on the metal grill of neglect and finally left to grow cold.

Bones - children with witty dreams represented in sand and stick games  


I speak about the indigents, the underprivileged, the disabled 

Uplift their spirits, let dry bones rise again in the breath of

sponsorships, mentorships, scholarships, fund us, lend us listening ear as we pitch to you, let dry bones of dreams become flesh so we can live out aspirations, hopes and even those vivid images of success we paint in our minds 

We want to rise too, we want to live 

Together let us make an exceeding great army for our nation Nigeria because Naija spirit must not die.


3. Name: Oluwafunmibi Peculiar 

IG handle: oluwafunmibipeculiar

Title: Voices in the Chaos 

We dey hustle through the heat,

Fuel no dey, light no show, still we no quit,

Na pot of pain we dey stir with laughter because Naija people dey turn wahala to banter.

We dey queue for hope still dey dream through the smoke,

Creatives, comedians, coders, Naija youths be destiny holders.


It's not the flag that fails us, but we the people, we be relentless.

We no carry last, we be firebrands, we fall, we rise, we no fear the lands.


Say what you want...

But Naija spirit? E strong like Ogbono 

Stretch am, press am, e no go tear.

We dey patch light with generator, patch dreams with prayers, patch hope with small small wins and we still dey go.

Omo Naija, 

No let this fire quench inside you,

No let corruption drown your virtue,

No let silence buy your truth.

Raise your voice, raise your hands, raise your dream.

So say it with me,

The Naija Spirit Must Not Die.


4. Name: Blessing Chinemerem Benjamin 

IG handle: _blissben    

(Bliss Ben)

Title: Niger spirit must never die 

There's something  about the Niger spirit that never dies 

A talk and do attitude that pushes us ahead 

No borders, no limits, we're breaking free 

Resilience is our middle name

Determination is our game

We know who we are

They say we are the frying pan of the world, 'Cause our energy's fire

It’s a flame that burns in every eye

We'll keep it alive, on African might, we'll rise high

We stand out! record breakers, Overachievers, that's what we do


From childhood, we were taught that anyone less than first position is a failure

We were taught not to give up! 

This is why we showcase our values, diligence, authenticity 

Teaching the generation to come, what it means to be Nigerian

Teach them! that consistency is the only key to greatness 


So Launch yourselves into greatness, cause our energy, it’s hard to ignore

We're the power to dare, unfazed by obstacles, immune to limitations, we never quit! 

it's a lesson, store it in your memory, no hesitation

Cause the blood that runs in our veins

The spirit in our frame, can earn you success

So ignite the Niger spirit, it's the aim to say “Never die Niger spirit” 

Cause Niger spirit never dies!


5. Name: Esiobu Chisikamdi Vivian 

IG Handle: chisikamdivivian

Title: The resilient spirit of Nigerians.

We are Nigerians.

We've walked through hot fire and brimstone.

Most times we get hurt,

But that doesn't make our feet forfeit our final destination.

We've been pushed to the wall continuously.

Yet, we believe 

Giving up is never an option 

Neither a choice.


Even when our leaders 

Turn out to be our killers,

The giant in us refuses to be intimidated.

Even when we starve,

We grow thin and strong

Rather than die.

Who kick's the bucket 

When there's still a reason to laugh?


We've encountered 

So many trials and errors,

So many insecurities,

So many injustices,

So many disappointments 

Yet we we refuse to be eaten by them all.

Hoping to wake up someday 

And realize everything to be a dream within a dream.

The Nigerian spirit will never die.

We're Nigerians.


6. Name: Alimikhena Oshiole Grace

IG handle: pheonix1002

Title: The Naija Spirit

The Giant has fallen asleep.

But who said the Giant doesn't dream?

They said the Giant has lost it's glory. 

But who said the Giant won't rise again?

We have suffered,

We have lost lives,

We have sipped pain like morning tea,

Yet,

Our smile is wider than our pain,

Stronger than our setbacks,

And greater than our problems.


So from the little girl selling groundnut on the streets,

To the woman who has turned her market stall to an altar of prayer,

To the Nigerian youths still singing 'Joy Is Coming ' by Fido,

We are marching for greater heights.

So they can steal our votes,

Take away our rights,

But they cannot take away our Naija Spirit.

When a problem comes, we turn it to slangs,

When tears come, we turn it to trends,

When struggles come, we turn it to street anthems,

Because, Naija no dey carry last.


So tell them,

As long as there's still a child dreaming of a better tomorrow,

A mother still praying over a pot of soup,

Nigerians still shouting, "Up Nepa!"

Naija will rise again,

Naija will be stronger,

Naija Spirit shall not die!


7. NAME: FAITH OKAFOR 

INSTAGRAM HANDLE:@pinky_b01

TITLE:THE NAIJA SPIRIT.

One nation,one question 

How many times do we bury hope before it learns its lesson 

From the swamp of delta to the hills of jos

The Naija spirit,

Beaten,bruised and counting the cost 

We wake up every morning in a land that a hustle,a fight,a war

Where politicians eats our future,

Then lock the goddamn door 

Nepa takes the light security is a joke.

But watch us,watch how we rise from the smoke

They want us to kneel,they want us to  forget our names

To dilute the fire and to kill our flame.

But the spirit is stubborn,

It lives in the market woman's shout

In the artist's hustle when all the lights are out.

It's in the Okada driver's swerve.the student who still believes.

It is in the resilience we wear on our sleeves like a thief 

We are the Iya who prays till dawn,the baba who works past worn

We are the laughter in the chaos,

The beauty in the scorn

The spirit is not a myth, it's the grit in our teeth

The legacy we fight for,the soul underneath

The Naija spirit will not die.

We keep our words,we keep our fire,

We look them in the eye.


8. Name: Ummukulsum Musa Abba

Instagram handle:@thoughtsof_ummuh

Title: Where Eagles Rise, We Stand

Beneath the sun that gilds the Niger’s flow,

Where ancient drums remember every sigh,

A nation stands though winds of hardship blow

For Nigeria’s spirit must not die.

It lives in children racing through the dawn,

Bare feet on earth, yet hearts that dare the sky;

It lives in farmers bending on their lawn

For Nigeria’s spirit must not die.


It beats in cities humming with the night,

In dreams that blaze where darkness dares to lie;

It sings in voices rising for what’s right

For Nigeria’s spirit must not die.

We’ve walked through storms that stained our woven cloth,

We’ve known the tears that history can supply;

Yet still we rise, united by an oath

That Nigeria’s spirit must not die.


Bring forth the drums! Let unity ascend,

Let hope, like eagle wings, forever fly.

We build, we break, we heal, we rise again

For Nigeria’s spirit must not die.

So let the earth remember what we claim:

A people forged where courage will not shy;

A land reborn by fire into flame

And Nigeria’s spirit shall not die.


9. Name: Ene Blessing Favour 

Instagram Handle: chaviva_1

Title: The Niger Spirit Must Not Die 🇳🇬

The lion doesn't birth a GOAT

Yet...We claimed to be the greatest Of All Times

What happened to our glory?

How did we fall to empty solace and endless hustle grind. 

Dancing to corruption's rhythm,

We lost our way, knowing our onions 

But....who stole our suya?

Our pride! Our motherland...so great

Now trades by Barter's might.


We are the Giants of Africa

Yet we bear the scars of massacre 

Tagged as warriors against ourselves .

Justice pleas for mercy, 

Our economy's in is in pain, a few reap to gain.

Our daily need,  a constant plea

Hustle go pay, the anthems decree

A struggle real, will it pay or leave us behind?


The Niger spirit must not die. It will forever remain

Why bid it farewell in haste?

When we can keep it maintained. 

Why paddle to greatness?

When we can soar high above,like an eagle

Let's keep this spirit alive

It depends on YOU and I


10. Name: Akintunji Dorcas Temitope 

IG handle: @dorcaswrites

Title: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

They say the Naija spirit can never die

I guess I’ve heard that before.

But what do they mean by Naija spirit?

It’s not the kind you find in every part of the continent.

It’s a strong power bestowed by Mother Africa,

A prayer held in the mouth of every person—

Praying for a better tomorrow,


It’s in the echoes of market women,

Hustling day and night in search of survival.

It’s in the students ironing their collars,

Dreaming of that white-collar job.

Oh yes, not all things work out for us.

Just like the woman who steps out each day

Expecting sales, but gets no buyer—

Yet she still packs her bag,

Rises again beneath the odds.


Does this sound familiar yet?

Let me enlighten you more.

Naija spirit is like a child,

Nurtured by Mother Africa.

The black spirit doesn’t fade,

No matter what shade you try to mix it with.

We stand gidi gba

Observing, enduring,

Hoping for a better tomorrow with every dawn.


If you’re searching for the word resilience,

Check the dictionary of every Nigerian

You’ll find it written there in bold.

Yes, the Naija spirit can never die.

Because we have backing

From hope, from faith, from unity.

From every tribe and tongue still singing:

“Nigeria we hail thee.”

A melody of affirmation,

That truly, the Naija spirit never dies.

As long as our flag still waves its green of nature,

And our white—though stained—still stands for peace,

The Naija spirit must not die.

The Naija spirit cannot die.


11. Name: Power Oyindamola Ogunbiyi 

 IG Handle: Power Oyindamola Ogunbiyi

Title: Arise: It Must Not Die!

The pain,

The Struggle,

The Perseverance,

The Resilience,

Much more, The effort to keep going.

This is the spirit that defines us.


We are Nigerians,

We are peculiar!

Because we have a die-hard spirit within us.

This spirit cannot be broken!

Oh yes, it can’t!

But dear Nigerians,

The fire of this spirit is dimming.

And it is a flame that must not die.

Where is the Nigeria of the 20th century?

The Nigeria built with the resilient spirit of our Heros past?

Where is the  spirit of the Giant of Africa?

Arise, O compatriots!

We are the architects of our story,

The main characters in its telling.


Together, we can keep the fire burning.

Together, we can keep the spirit alive.

Till the glory of our dear country shines again!

The die-hard spirit must not die! 🇳🇬🔥


12. Name: Aderinmola Johnson

IG Handle: @rinmola_Johnny

Title: Still Here. Still Hopeful.

They say hope is fragile 

but in Naija, hope wears bulletproof.

We’ve survived queues longer than our patience,

and still queue again for the next “change.”

Our leaders play chess with our future but somehow, we’re still in the game.


Dollar is doing marathon,

Naira dey jog behind breathless,

yet the market woman still says, “My dear, just buy.”

That’s faith, the kind that banks can’t store.

They said, “Japa or die trying,”

but some of us stayed back —

not because we can’t leave,

but because this soil still holds our heartbeat.


Even when the system dey drag,

we still download hope.

Even when the light no dey,

our dreams still hum like generator for midnight.

The world may invade itself,

politics may decay 

but this spirit, this green-white-green DNA,

no coup can overthrow it.


Because when everything fails 

laughter still trends in Naija.

So, tell them 

we bend, we break small,

but the Naija Spirit Must Not Die. 🇳🇬🔥


13. Name: Adejumobi Adetosho Enoch 

IG handle: enochadetosho

TITLE: THE GREEN FLAME 

Dem say Naija hard 

I say Naija strong! 

We no dey break, we bend and bounce back like data subscription wey just renew!

We be the pepper inside jollof,

The ginger inside life,

The reason “no light” never quench our light. 


From Lagos traffic to Kano hustle,

We dey grind; body no be firewood, but spirit no dey tire!

We sabi laugh for pain, pray in pidgin,

Turn wahala to wonder,

Turn scarcity to skit! 

Naija, you be vibes and survival mixed with grace,

You be 9 to 5 plus side hustle and still dey fine!

From mama put to tech bro,

We all dey push  no dulling!


Even when economy dey shake like NEPA light,

Our hope still dey glow like rechargeable lantern.

We go still show up, neat, bold, and proud,

Because we no fit dull our destiny!

We no be country of quitters,

We be nation of comebacks.

So even if system slow, we still dey show!

Naija no dey carry last,

Naija dey carry legacy! 

Tell them,  from street to Senate,

From trenches to TikTok 

Our fire still dey burn, our dream still dey high,

Because Naija Spirit Must Not… Will Not… DIE!


14. Name: Maureen Igwe

IG handle: maureenmoment

Title: Naija Rise Like We Are Designed to Shine.

I remember one evening in Lagos. The sun was tired, but the people… they were still moving.

Mothers hustling, Okada men flying through traffic, children laughing and moving like nothing could break them.

And at that moment, I realized this country has a heartbeat; a loud one because the Naija spirit must not die.

We are the ones who hustle before sunrise, the ones who push even when hope feels small.

Our business spirits? Unmatched.

We negotiate like philosophers. We rise like we are designed to shine.

Yes, things get hard, sometimes too hard. But even in the darkest nights, someone will whisper, “Tomorrow go better,” and somehow… we believe it.


15. Name: Ifeoluwa Oyerinde Racheal.

IG Handle: ifeglobal_thewordsmith

Title: What Nigeria Makes of Us


Scripture says, 

“You will know a tree by the kind of fruit it produces.”

Yeah… That's my country.

My Country is that tree with many branches;

Some broken, some bending,

Yet still bearing fruit.

We sprout laughter from lack.

We build castles from containers.

We do not just survive;

We remix survival.


As you grow, you will understand,

Why they put women’s faces on body creams

And men’s faces on painkillers;

Because this land births beauty

And also bears pain.

We are hustlers with hallelujah hearts.

We turn “no fuel” into new ideas.

We turn traffic into TikToks.

We turn tears into testimonies.

You cannot even put a brake on our creativity;

Even our potholes still produce poetry.


We rise.

We fall.

We rise again.

We pray like prophets,

Laugh like comedians,

And dream like inventors.

My Country is a tree that still stands tall,

even in the dry season.

Because no matter how rough the soil becomes,

Our spirit no fit die.


16. Name: Nyior Terngu Japhet 

IG: @depoeticdoctor

Title: RESILIENCE IS THE SPIRIT OF NAIJA

Resilience is the spirit of naija:

Naija, nothing do us; 

na the price of fuel

dey taste (test) our faith.

We no get elastic limit

abi Una don forget?

Na why dem dey call

us THE GIANTS OF AFRICA,

no be PROPAGANDA.


Omo country hard ooo…

Yet, with hunger pangs small Tobi 

still dey carry first for class,

Mama Amina still dey fry akara

dey serve hope for plate,

and NEPA dey play Bros

Chidi like ludo, but

him still be OFFICIAL TECH BRO.


E be like Naija don dey become

breeding sites for mosquitoes

in AGBADA, wey dey suck,

and feast on the lifeblood of

this spirit of naija.

But we are THE SUPER EAGLES,

nearly can never kpai a bird;

When something no kpai us,

we go take am do trend.


This die hard spirit must not kpai

not now, not ever.

Though our tribes and tongues may differ,

na pidgin alone dey stitch us together.

We are made in Naija! 

Las, las, we go dey alright!


17. Name: Merit Eneotu Isaiah 

IG Handle: meritspeaks

Title: Not Now

From the pains of our past,

To the scars of our history,

We still made it to this day.

So tell me,

What is this storm that we can't conquer?


Look around, and you will understand that survival is on us.

Our Naija spirit must not die now,

Because our resilience is what makes our name as Nigerians.

Not now!

Not now that our generations unborn look up to us,

Not now!

So I command every Naija Lazarus to wake up.

We can't stop our journey halfway

No way.

No matter the shege wey our eyes don see,

Remember that strength flows through our blood,

And resilience is our skin's attachment.


So I pray the Naija Spirit lives on,

For the Egyptians we see today,

We shall see them no more.


18. Name: Baseerah Adegbaike omotayo 

IG handle: baseerah Adegbaike 

Title:'The Fire must not Die’

They say Nigeria is tough,

but I’ve seen strength wear a human face.

Mothers turning little into plenty,

youths chasing dreams with empty pockets but full hearts.

In a land where the light goes off,

we still shine.

Through traffic and noise,

through laughter that drowns sorrow,

through voices that refuse silence.


The Naija spirit isn't just about survival

it’s fire.

We turn frustration into rhythm,

struggle into art,

pain into something powerful.

So when I say Naija Spirit Must Not Die,

I mean,don’t let that fire go cold.

Keep pushing.

Keep creating.

Keep becoming, even when no one claps.


Because this spirit

is the one thing they can’t switch off.


19. Name: Nwafor John Kote

Instagram: Jon_kote 

Title: Proudly Naija

Naija is not just a name 

It is the spirit of resilience 

A pledge of allegiance 

To paint our pain into possibilities 

Turn rags into riches 

We are the face of audacity 

Take us to the valley of dry bones and watch them wear fleshy clothes 

We are not cowards 

Failure dey fear us 

Cos every rubble is a stepping stone 


See we have seen every shade of shege, 

Gbese wey be like raggae  

Yet we would float in any flood 

The economy may go south

And the mathematics may not apply but we’ll provide for the family a three square meal


We are rebellious products of prayer

Reincarnations of the Igbo Landing 

We are River’s without the Stare of Emergency 

The insurgency in the North cannot bend us

And whether or not the armies of the west come, we will trump 

We are proof that faith is a living thing so the burden is on you to believe or be damned.


20. Name: Iyanoye Olaoluwa Isreal.

Instagram handle: Iyanoye Isreal

Title: To be Nigerian...

I was the only Nigerian in a group chat.

So when someone asked me what it felt like being Nigerian,

I said:

To be Nigerian

Is to have the thread of survival

woven into the very fabric of our existence.

We have a spirit within called persistence,

And it allows us to adapt, to adjust,

To live life like we know what we're doing,

But in truth, we’re all just figuring it out as we go.


To be Nigerian is to flex your muscle in every hustle,

To tussle, to juggle, to grind even in the jungle.

Call it the Nigerian struggle,

But here we thrive regardless of the bustle.

To be Nigerian is to be your own Superman,

Because nobody is coming to save you.


So when life hits, we hit harder.

We bend, but we don't break,

Because we have a legacy to pass on.

And regardless of the pain, we move on,

Because the Naija spirit must not die.


And that, my friend, is what it means to be Nigerian:

To have a spirit that cannot and must not die.


21. Name: Awonusi Boluwatife Blessing 

IG Handle: boluwatife_awonusi

Title: Naija Spirit Must Not Die 

Their sword dare to draw out blood, but we rather choose to swim, and not sink in the pool of stubborn sweat of resilience to gain more energy and strength to avenge and fight against dominance of corruption.

Yes, we affirm that this hunger is the driving force to not be vulnerable for the thieves where the superior survival mechanisms fit to be the fittest and instead it will be a try to not be preyed upon, it is must to fight for freedom

We will continue to drive the road to thriving for where we long to survive irregardless of the stones or thorns on the ones we step upon

And this naija song we sing with breathful heart and mettle lips;

That our body must not relent defence 

We stand fearlessly as long as the soul liveth 

And in our breath, the spirit of the heroes past liveth, reigneth today

Till tomorrow, our voices echoes through the air, water and soil of this earth forever and ever more.


22. Name : Fakunle Oluwafunmilayo 

Ig handle : Oluwafunmilayo_fakunle

Title: Naija Spirit Must Not Die

Naija, with fiery energy we dey ginger 

She comes with innovation, swagger, and care,

The heartbeat of Nigeria, mixed with energy, hope, and pride,

She's the driving force behind our resilience, creativity, and unity.


With cultural vibrancy, she defines us,

Celebrating diversity and heritage, we proudly fuse,

The Naija spirit's been our guiding light,

Through tough challenges, it shines so bright.


It may seem like the spirit's about to fade,

But no, it's strong, it won't be swayed, lai lai 

It's the driving force of Nigeria, our home,

Losing it would mean losing part of our identity's core.


We'll defy odds and break racial barriers,

Live with pride, and let our voices remain,

I'm from proud Nigeria, and I'll say it loud,

The   true Naija spirit must not die.


23. Name: Wele Mariam Boluwatife 

IG Handle: poem_writer_lovers

Title: Naija Spirit Unbroken 

I sat at the corner of my house

In my own world, gazing at nature's peace and beauty

Then sleep claimed me, and I dreamt

Of Naija, a spirit that evokes Africa's heartbeat

Through sand and dust, we stand tall like iroko trees

Unshakeable, a symbol of courage, resilient and full of life

A beacon of hope that never fades, even in darkness.


Diversity is our strength

Tribes and tongues, united as one

Rhythm of drums echoes through the land

A symphony of courage, hand in hand

I woke and declared: Naija Spirit must not die

We stand as one, we rise as one

From struggles of the past, we rise

Above the pain, at last.


24. Name: OLAYINKA-SODIPE Oluwadamilare

IG: @damilareolayinkasodipe

Title: Naija Spirit Must Not Die 

Naija no be land wey bow to storm,

We be people wey rise  again and again  like morning sun.

Even when heat choke, when roads bend, when wahala come uninvited,

Our spirit still dey shout: “We move!”


From Lagos hustle to Kano dust,

From PH waters to Abuja rocks,

We carry fire for chest 

A stubborn hope wey no dey quench.

We be children of palm trees wey bend

But no gree break.

We be warriors wey smile

Even when tears dey hide for corner their eyes.

We be heartbeat of resilience,

We be rhythm of survival.


Dem fit try scatter us,

Dem fit try silence us,

But Naija spirit?

E no dey die 

E dey multiply.


When light no dey, we spark ideas.

When road no smooth, we create path.

When government fall hand,

We hold each other up.

Naija spirit na the mama wey feed courage,

The father wey teach persistence,

The neighbour wey talk say,

“My brother, e go better.”


So make we stand,

Make we rise,

Make we hold truth like lantern for dark.

Make we speak hope till the sky hear am.

Because as long as we breathe,

As long as our feet still touch this soil,

As long as our hearts still beat this stubborn rhythm.


Naija Spirit Must Not Die.

And it will not die.


25. Name: Mumeenah Onaopemipo Abdulrafiu 

IG Handle: Mumeenah Abdulrafiu 

Title: Naija spirit must not die.

I was only told not to answer when a guy calls me,

To shout stop! when he touches me.

But I wasn’t told what to do

when all he lifts is my dress and my skirt.

I wasn’t told what to do

when silence became my only language.

They say Naija spirit must not die,

but how do I keep it alive

when my spirit has been buried beneath shame?

When the hands that hurt me

look like the brothers I was told to trust?


being Nigerian means learning to stand

even when your knees are trembling.

It means laughing through pain,

it means singing even when your throat burns.

I am the daughter of a nation that refuses to drown.

We are the girls who still dance in the rain,

the mothers who pray through hunger,


Yes, we break, but we rebuild 

with tears, with sweat, with stubborn hope.

So I speak now, not just for me,

but for every silenced girl whose spirit is still fighting.

Because the Naija spirit lives in our scars,

in our laughter, in our refusal to die quietly.


Naija spirit must not die 

not while I’m still breathing,

not while we still rise,

not while our voices

keep echoing through the cracks of our pain.


26. Name: Aliyah Morayo 

IG Handle: Aliyah_morayo

Title: NAIJA SPIRIT MUST NOT DIE 

I enter spaces and they whisper she’s Black.

But no, tell me what is wrong with being Black? 

Is it because when you see me,

You see a nation carved from thunder and laughter, where dreams wear slippers and still chase the sun. 


We are not just fine for color, we are rich for spirit.

We don't just dance for joy, we dance for survival. 

Our land is dripping with gold, oil, cocoa, and grit.

Our people are resilient like the harmattan wind, we bend, but we no fit break. 

We survive Lagos traffic

Wey dey last longer than some relationships and still show up glowing, grinding, giving. 


Even when the economy chokes,

our lungs no sabi stop breathing hope.

Our blood no sabi surrender.

Our laughter no sabi die. 

Because this is who we are:

the rhythm of resistance,

the melody of survival,

the light that refuses to go out. 


So write this down

Naija spirit must not die🔥🇳🇬


27. Name: Umar Ahmed Gani 

IG: gani615_

Title:  NAIJA IS NOT A VICTIM

Where does the story begin?

In the records of slave ships,

or the shadow of the

Conqueror's Whips?

Maybe in the ghost of the Civil War,

or the blast from terrorist's command.


NO! This is not a song

of sorrow.

It is the heartbeat beneath our strength,

The rhythm that refuses to die.

The march of pride across centuries of struggle.

We are the dust that remembers,

The iron that will not bend.


The spirit that rose again when every road said "this the end"

We carry the hearts of lions,

Holding a future no darkness can steal. 


Oh, Naija!

Your people are the rain that remembers the desert flame,

A whisper that says

"we don't give up,"

Our victory is not written in our conquest,

It is etched in our resilience standing tall,

Oh, Naija, this is for you.


28. Name: Rachael Ajisafe

IG Handle: Joy (Itsblaze799).

NAIJA NO DEY TIRE

I come from a country that sabi laugh through thunder.

Where even when rain beat us finish,

we still say, “E go better,”

and we mean am — somehow.

My 9JA story start from the sound of mama's pestle

to the cry of morning hawkers.

My childhood na mixtape of struggle and survival.

We no get plenty

But we get plenty ways to make small look enough.


I come from a people

wey go turn pepper soup into peace talk,

wey go argue football like say na family inheritance.

We dey disagree, yes

but somehow, we still dey gist under the same sun.


Nigeria

you be that friend wey no dey pick call,

but we still call every day.

You break us small,

but you also build us big.

We no dey perfect,

but perfection no fit dance like we dey dance.


Na my 9JA story

the one wey dey taste like suya and struggle,

sound like laughter after blackout,

feel like 6am hope on Monday morning.


My Naija story no be fairytale

na freestyle of faith

Where every failure fit still dance to victory beats.

Where every no light moments still find spark inside hearts.


I no go trade am for anywhere else,

’cause even inside your madness,

I still find my melody.

I still dey rise, dey rhyme, dey reason —

’cause I be Naija pikin,

and this country dey my bloodstream like beat.


So, if you ask me my story

I go tell you:

I be child of chaos and Creativity.

Born inside noise,

raised by resilience

Na my Nigeria

Where we no dey carry last

We dey exist, we dey rise

even when e no make sense.

Because Naija no dey tire.


29. NAME :Alaine Ojoajedo Akpa 

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: Alaine Akpa 

TITLE:The NAIJA spirit, a die hard spirit 

We are more than just neighbours in a shared space 

Our cultures and identity are one, they are not leftovers 

Our spirit na like water, we cover the whole planet 

We brekete for everywhere pass MTN brekete plan 

You sef check am

If na London, we dey, Dubai, we dey ,Abi na Russia, we dey there

Anywhere there is no Nigerian is a dessert 

Our comedians use our economy as a joke, we don't mock ourselves, we ease our pain

We carry our NAIJA for mouth

So when Mukthar says feefle instead of people 

When Obinna says bling rather than bring 

When Oluwaseyi says rice and not rise

All these things no de stain our white

Have you forgotten the almighty green, white, green 

Energy is in our bones, Creativity is our skin 

Even as OUR Nigerian leaders de use us play football, we Sabi defend

As long as the okra soup continues to draw

And the bitter leaf remains bitter 

The Naija spirit will never die

The Naija spirit must not die.


30. Name: Wele Mariam Boluwatife 

IG Handle: poem_writer_lovers

Title: Naija Spirit Unbroken 

I sat at the corner of my house

In my own world, gazing at nature's peace and beauty

Then sleep claimed me, and I dreamt

Of Naija, a spirit that evokes Africa's heartbeat

Through sand and dust, we stand tall like iroko trees

Unshakeable, a symbol of courage, resilient and full of life

A beacon of hope that never fades, even in darkness.


Diversity is our strength

Tribes and tongues, united as one

Rhythm of drums echoes through the land

A symphony of courage, hand in hand


I woke and declared: Naija Spirit must not die

We stand as one, we rise as one

From struggles of the past, we rise

Above the pain, at last.


31. Name: Joy Olufowora

IG handle: olufowora_joy

Title: The Naija spirit

I know David was Nigerian cos what do you mean a shepherd boy faced a blood-sucking Goliath,

I know Esther was Yoruba when ten thousand men of war wouldn't move without her backing, 

'Cos only a person possessed by the Naija spirit can stand against a man whose palms were big enough to choke the living daylight out of him,

And lead thousands of men to war without joining the man-o'-war

Because the Naija spirit is resistant-proof.

It's in the preacher who lost his family for his faith, but still preaches not caring what his fate may be,

It's in the boy who's been jammed six times by JAMB but still picks up his pen to try once more,

It's in the young politician struggling to ascend the helm of power without condescending to the powers that be.

But we must know that the greatest loss of a Nigerian isn't the death of his body, but the loss of his spirit 

And the greatest war we have to fight isn't against other tribes, ethnics or religion

But for the preservation of this die-hard soul

Because, the Naija spirit no fit die!


32. Name: Abu Halima Sadiat 

IG handle: halsadiabu117

Title: THE UNBREAKABLE PULSE OF NAIJA 

‎‎Dem say broken glass no fit be mirror again,

‎but we ,Naija people,we still find reflection inside pain.

‎Light no dey, fuel cost ,

‎yet our laughter still dey shine like candle for dark street.

‎Other nations dey fly with ease,

‎we dey push wheelbarrow of dreams inside muddy roads,

‎but we no dey fall,

‎because survival no be luck for here — na legacy.

‎We carry the spirit of Queen Amina,

‎horse hooves thundering across history,

‎Moremi wey stand when fear try bow her head,

‎Jaja of Opobo wey no sell dignity for crown or coin.

‎We inherit courage like bloodline,

‎resilience like bone,

‎hope like breath.

‎This spirit no dey learn surrender.

‎This spirit na iron wey bend hammer.

‎Even when night long,

‎We rise like say dawn

‎ dey owe us explanation.

‎Naija no be perfect land,

‎but the spirit inside her people

‎fit rebuild kingdoms from dust.

‎We no retreat.

‎We no surrender.

‎Because as long as we still dey breathe,

‎Naija Spirit must not die.

‎33. Fortune Onyema

IG: fortune_onyema

Title:  NAIJA SPIRIT MUST NOT DIE

This is where pain meets purpose 

We come from a place where we do not fear darkness

Because we dare the devil to make us fall

When we fight to the point where he looks into our eyes and notices he first dies

Before thinking he can ruin our lives

We were built with iron and brass so the chains can't stop us

Breathing in chaos to breathe out courage

This is the oxygen of power

We dream, we scream, we bleed

We break into doors without needing the keys

Naija Spirit must not die

We cannot keep reminding ourselves of the grave now that we are resurrected

We cannot go back to the same tyranny that once tied us to the point where truth becomes torture

Even as we crusified the spirit of oneness of the cross of rivalry

We cannot sell our souls to eradicate poor tree (poultry) and still complain of fowl play

We are a global wonder

So we shouldn't give up, give in, give out or give way

We haven't even scratched the surface yet

So we shouldn't accept the sour phase

We should never think that there's still time to get back on our feet

You see this clock doesn't hold it's legs

There are lots of reasons to be grateful so I don't see any reason why to remain a great fool

We called the Giants of Africa so I think it's high time we finally grow up and pick the call


34. Name: Deborah Adebusayo Oke

IG Username @adebusayooke

Title: Naija spirit must not die

Take me back!

Take me back to the place where immunity to limitations abounds.

The place where hope in survival is a reality.

A place of burning refusal to never succumb.

Like Shadrach Meshach and Abednego, standing above mere words and threats.

Raising like a Deborah to fight because we know we will always have the head of Jabin.

Here, we wait not for opportunities, rather we create them.

We carve the seats and tables placed at the highest court.

We create oceans from a tiny drop.

Skyscrapers from a little dust.

Arts from a little pencil

And poems from a single word.

Here in Naija, our spirit no dey die.

The very giant of Africa weh stand ever gallant, spirit stand gallant never dieing.

So even if the road gets rough, rougher, roughest.

We will get strong, stronger, strongest.

And even if it gets blurry, we will keep our heads high above the water.

Dreams high, spirit higher, expectations, the highest. 

Cause here in Naija, our spirit no dey die.

35. Name: AGBOOLA OLUWAFUNMILAYO SUSANNA 

IG Handle: @susanspenxx

Title: [ A NIGERIAN YOUTH]

*POEM:* I’m a Nigerian youth, far from home,

Struggling to succeed, to make my parents proud.

I’m burdened by expectations, feeling alone

Depression’s grip is tight, but still, I’m holding on.


I walk through days that feel heavy, nights that stretch long.

Sometimes my mind trembles, but my spirit stays strong.

The world says “be tough,” even when the weight breaks me,

But I rise again, refusing to let the darkness take me.


I rise through pain and tears, slowly finding my voice.

I gather my courage, shaping my life with choice.

Hope becomes my lantern, steady like a flame,

Guiding me through silence, through fear, through shame.


And even when the road bends, even when dreams dry,

I hold onto the fire that refuses to die.

Because beneath the struggle, beneath every tear I cry,

There lives a spirit unbroken,  a spirit that will fly.


The Naija spirit in me must not die.

Not today.

Not tomorrow.

Not ever.


36. Name: Attah Promise 

Instagram handle: attah.promise

Title: Lai Lai, we no fit die 

‎See my life! Wake up morning, no light, no fuel,

‎NEPA don vex, the meter, e cruel. 

‎You check your account, the alerts give you heart attack, Sapa come use you do gbas gbos for your back. 

‎You wan japa, but visa don turn to Shege Pro Max. We dey queue for everything, abi? From Naira to Tax. 

‎Go-slow hold road like say we owe am money, Landlord dey vex, wetin dey sweet like honey? Every small thing, wahala be like bicycle—If e no get one side, the whole thing go cycle!

‎But my paddy, wetin be the koko? We no fit let this darkness just take the logo!

‎We use torchlight to read, we use bucket to fetch water. The hustle is real, but the grace E choke! We scatter every bad vibe like fire, no joke. 

‎You see that small boy wey dey hawk pure water? He's planning the whole year.

‎The girl selling pepper? She's saving her jara for the flight to her dream.

‎We collect breakfast from the system, na so, but we clean up the steam!

‎The fire is still burning, the music is still loud, the spirit of Naija will never be bowed! 

‎We will fix the light, we will fix the road, we go carry this country and lighten the load. 

‎We no fit die, lai lai, because our Obodo is gold! The story is changing, and the best part is untold!


37.  Name : Borokinni Ifeoluwa Elizabeth 

IG Handle : borokinni_ton_soro

Title: To be Nigerian 

To be Nigerian is to break records 

A kitchen, a cupboard, a chessboard

See na we get the applaud

So let’s keep walking towards that land

Where oloju funfun 

Doesn’t act as Kabiyesi 

With hopes as high as fuel’s price

Join me, as we rise

Because we are the voice 

Of a new generation 

We are the labalaba that flies

By day and night 

Mono mono tin joju omo kan 

O le wa je tia 

Awa gangan lomo baba

We are the coconut heads

That stand agidigba 

We seek a new revolution 

And we stand firm in this battle 

We’ve been through this

For too long 

But we still won’t stop !

And see, there’s a light 

A bright light at the end of this tunnel 

So we keep moving 

There’s no limit

No length nor breath to this journey 

And remember 

THE NAIJA SPIRIT NEVER DIES.


38. Name: Deborah Adebusayo Oke

IG Username @adebusayooke

Title: Naija spirit must not die

Take me back!

Take me back to the place where immunity to limitations abounds.

The place where hope in survival is a reality.

A place of burning refusal to never succumb.

Like Shadrach Meshach and Abednego, standing above mere words and threats.

Raising like a Deborah to fight because we know we will always have the head of Jabin.

Here, we wait not for opportunities, rather we create them.

We carve the seats and tables placed at the highest court.

We create oceans from a tiny drop.

Skyscrapers from a little dust.

Arts from a little pencil

And poems from a single word.

Here in Naija, our spirit no dey die.

The very giant of Africa weh stand ever gallant, spirit stand gallant never dieing.

So even if the road gets rough, rougher, roughest.

We will get strong, stronger, strongest.

And even if it gets blurry, we will keep our heads high above the water.

Dreams high, spirit higher, expectations, the highest. 

Cause here in Naija, our spirit no dey die.


39. NAME: Cynthia Mia (CYNERGY)

IG HANDLE: @cynergy_in_voice

TITLE: The 9ja Spirit Persists: The Aroma of Resurrection                    

9ja Spirit be like "up-NEPA" occurring in your brain

It is the difference between greatness wey get muscle, and the one wey still dey train.


From dawn until dusk,

Before the early cries of the neighborhood mosque,

Before the day settles on what it has chosen to be

One you survived, or one that just sucks!


We are up! 

Earlier risers!! 

For the 9ja Spirit is made of determination,

Impervious to the very corruption that

Ironically rots the fabric of our nation.


The 9ja Spirit IS the contradiction to the 9ja reality!!

Our spirit is the hero, but wetin eye dey see, 

Na arch-nemesis dem be.

It is the insistent glory,

That strife and poor leadership seem determined to bury,

It is the daily Lazarus effect... Despite the grave's fury.


It exists because the world ensures balances;

Calm is only there, because there is crisis.

Na only food wey no sweet, wey need spices.

So, call the 9ja Spirit, Ogiri!! Persistent and strong, because na for the aroma, the spirit of food con dey,

Brought out in the heat...

Of this HOT-pot we call a nation,

Suffering and smiling is no easy feeeeat,

But because of this Spirit, we always land on our feet!!!


40. NAME: Fagbemi O. Janet 

IG: 0kikiwealth

Title: The Naija Spirit Never Dies

The Naija spirit never dies

Even if it stays in hardship, it still flourishes. 

In pain, it smiles. 

This is the spirit of creativity; it flows through our veins,  how can it die.


 The sound of our drums—the tambri, the gangan - brings out rhythm  that— makes our body move to the  joy of our tribes and culture. 

 Even in depravity, we still find joy in chaos. 

This spirit speaks through our music—that’s why King Sunny Ade said, “Nigeria ye ko gbodo baje.”

It increases its volume in Afrobeats through Fela, blending five musical styles into one.

 This spirit rose in the hearts of our heroes, like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who advocated for women’s rights and stood firm. 

 it speaks literature in Chinua Achebe, who brought African stories to the world stage. 

 This spirit also flows through our resources—just look at how adire still  matches today’s fashion trends. 

Indeed, the Naija spirit no dey die.


41. Name: Stephnie Ebubechukwu Chimeziri 

IG Handle: theeeee.abnormal

Title: The Nigerian Spirit

The Naija Spirit No Dey Tire

They counted us out,

but we turned hunger into hustle,

pain into prayer,

We are the fire that never burns out,

the laughter that survived blackout nights,

From Lagos traffic to Jos hills,

from Aba markets to Abuja dreams,

we move 

we build 

we believe.


Our spirit wears scars like medals

Our  bruises shine brighter than gold 

But still, we do not break

Because Nigeria is not just a place,

It is a people

People who make a way where there is no way

We have known pain,

but we have mastered perseverance

We have seen darkness

but we keep lighting candles


For in every vendor’s shout,

in every child’s dream,

for every youth who still dares to hope,

the Nigerian spirit lives.

And we are proof that we can still bleed and be beautiful

Nigeria does not fall

And the Naija spirit no dey tire!


42. Name: Peace Leleji

IG: peaceefe892

Title: Naija Flava

In the heart of West Africa, where culture blends,

Lies a nation with strength and resilience,

From the Niger Delta to the Savannah's might,

We're a people united in our light.

From Hausa to Yoruba, Igbo to Kanuri,

Our languages, traditions, and stories - are treasures to discover.

Like the baobab tree, our roots run deep and unspoken.

From the ancient walls of Kano to Lago's vibrant streets,

Our history, our art, our music, our unique beats.


We're a canvas of dreams, painted with a great masterpiece.

We're the bridge, like the MTN network, And ye'llo we're everywhere you go.

We're the lighter that brings up the fire.

We're not perfect, but a work in progress,

In our differences, our beauty rises.

Inside Naija, I see potential, what do you see?


43. Name: Victoria Onyebuchi-Ozonma 

Instagram: Victoriozonma

Title: We are Nigerians 

You cannot deny the footprints

of Nigerians on the global map.

Have you seen the energy Nigerians

bring to the table?

We be giants no be for mouth,

we mount. We break global walls like

wrecking balls We gallant. 

There is a spirit in naija, a functioning

to be the extra beyond the ordinary.

See, Tenacity is interwoven in this 

thick skin, adrenaline in our veins to win 

to conquer  refuse to succumb 

battles we have eaten 

Challenges we have beaten,

we will not be broken 

Because we are resilient.

We keep building unity in diversity 

Our creativity screams authenticity

Have you encountered naija audacity? 

There is a spirit in naija and the naija

spirit must not die.


44. Name: Ikade Queen Owode 

IG Handle: Poetic Queen_001

Title: Thousand Storms, Yet the Spirit Lives

There's something called the Naija spirit

that Powerful, Unyielding fire refusing to drown 

in the flood of our struggles.

Other Nations ask why Naija Spirit never dies but

The answer is simple... you can't kill a dead man

walking isn't that funny? because we have been through

the valley of the shadow of death, that

even death knows where we come from.


We dey hustle on a steady for sunlight

Na why them call us the Giant of

Africa, not by Physical structure or how

often we go to gym, but by the sheer

audacity and unshakable will.


We're built differently and we move like David

facing Goliath, knowing the battle is already

won.

And sometimes the system tries to bury us.

Maybe they Forgot we are seeds, 

See the Naija Spirit must not die because

Even death dey Pay Loyalty CuZ

Him no wettin we don survive .

So Call Us Oba

Call Us Mua Agwu

Call Us Survivor

Call us Nigerian dreams that lives

and it will not die, not today, not

tomorrow, not even forever.


45. Name: Osborn Israel

IG: dillyoner

Title: Anikulapo:The Spirit of a Nation

I am here to remind us

to keep the Naija spirit alive

the collective unconscious of a people

who have death in their pockets: Anikulapo.


Born from pain, but transcends that pain,

beauty in the sight of chaos,

love forged from audacity

that is the Naija spirit.


The Naija spirit is an unquenchable fire,

but the light is dimming.

From flame to smoke,

may this generation not lose the spark.


Let us not lose our identity,

let us exude our temerity

like in EndSARS

where strangers locked arms as brothers,

elbow to elbow,

guns blazing,

civilians turned soldiers,

and the men in uniform became monsters.

Unbroken—

yet we have been broken.


This is a wake-up call

to the collective unconscious:

call it a revolt of the spirit,

an aluta in its wake.

Let us wake up;

there is fire in our blood.

The Naija spirit is tough

not the absence of fear

but the triumph thereof


We do not back down.

We do not retreat.

We soar beyond the mountains of defeat

like the eagle in our sigil.

We charge headlong into battle

like the stallion.

That is who we are.

That is the Naija spirit.


46. Name: Amakiri Justice 

Instagram handle:  @aj_gram365

Title: NAIJIA SPIRIT (Spirit of Resilience)

There is something about the Naija spirit,

Na why we no dey ever rest

Even though we achieve greater heights as high like Mount Everest

We understand say for this life we be travelers without any settlement 

So we no fit settle for less

So even when challenges tries hit us so hard,

the only thing it can crack or break is our ribs 

Na why we Dey good at cracking jokes with the situations and challenges we face

We’ve mastered how to be the visual presentation of broken pencils can still be used to draw attention

Because we no dey give up

We go carry our broken piece together to form a piece of art

Call it “Mosaic”

But we are not tragic.


Because we have a spirit in that knows how to create opportunities

Because we no Dey wait for opportunities to come meet us

Because our means of transportation fit make opportunity miss road 


This spirit takes us out of that zone called comfort

To make sure say anything way we do, we come first, second and third, 

We no Dey ever come fourth.

Because Naija no Dey carry last

So no matter the forced in this world,

Even though they partner with gravity, 

They still won’t pull us down to the ground.

And that's it.


47. Name: Obinna Melody

IG: obinna_melody_

Title: wherever you find us

Wherever you find us,

we would always be above like the light bulb

always ahead like the headlines

We know how to make scriptures out of grief

How to marry action with ‘let there be’

See the universe was never made of atoms,

It was made of stories,

so watch us monetize it,

from grass to grace we know how Adenuga a super story

because the naija spirit be like wet cement,

give am time e go set 

and on it you’d stand on business

I’m taking Sabon Gari, Alaba, Onitsha main market,

We know how to fit in faster than chameleons into any environment,

Our shoulders are never tired of Carrying the legacy,

It’s greatness mixed and mastered with layers of resilience 

See the naija spirit no Dey die

We multiply, even in dire conditions


48. Full Name: VICTOR TAIWO

Ig Handle: Alien Scrollz

Title: NAIJA SPIRIT MUST NOT DIE 

Naija spirit be like cactus for wilderness, 

E fit dei dry but our consciousness dei flow as Niger.

Here actors no dei die again o,

Because our spirit are too stubborn for the grave.

Our voices echoes as the Islamic call to prayers,

Yet harmonizes like the Catholic choir, 

We rise as the boisterous street of Lagos,

Even with the traffic, we no fit go slow.


Here street na military,so we solider on, 

Even when our soul jars on fire, broken and burnt, 

We take the heat and cook shege into delicacies,

And like jollof rice we are spicy too hot to cool off.

E don tey wei we don throw knock out,

So nothing fit knock us out.

We paint the sky with our sparks,

Yet we hate the rainbow because the flag is our favourite colour,


We always hit the ground running,

With the labour of our heroes past,

A legacy that was passed on,

Cause this Naija spirit must not die.

Las las we no fit carry last,

We dey come forth,

And like pregnant woman,

We dei always deliver.

These 48 spoken-word pieces stand as a strong reminder that the Naija spirit lives on.

Our heartfelt thanks to Yemipoet Contest Curator Opeyemi Enitan Moses and our invited judges for their dedication, and to every performer who brought this theme to life.

From Yemipoet Creation and YACSO Foundation, the Naija spirit must not die.


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