Yemipoet February Poetry Contest 2026 Celebrates “Love Vows” Through Spoken Word Poetry

The February edition of the Yemipoet Poetry Contest 2026 featured a Spoken Word Duet format, inviting poets to collaborate and present expressive and heartfelt performances.

The theme for the month was “Love Vows: An Expression of Promises.

Participants were asked to creatively interpret this theme by choosing from three relationship perspectives.  This provided room for both emotional depth and creative diversity.

The contest was officially announced on February 1st, 2026, and submissions closed on February 14th, 2026. By the close of the submission period, a total of 36 entries were received. 

Submission Instructions: Poets were instructed to create their duet from any of the three options:

1)     Between lovers at the altar

2)    Between parents and child

3)    Between today's you and future self

Length: Not more than 60 to 90 seconds

Submission deadline: February 14th

Submission process:

Together with another poet, make a duet video. 

Post it on your IG page

Collaborate with @yacsofoundation only

Use hashtags: #lovevows #yemipoetcontest

Ensure you are following both @yemipoet and @yacsofoundation.

Evaluation and Winners Selection

Entries were carefully reviewed based on the ability to follow instructions, originality, creativity, and emotional depth. Using these criteria, the top 11 outstanding duet entries were selected, and from this group, the top 2 duet winners emerged.

Merit List
Some outstanding duets could not be overlooked from the top 11. In recognition of their creativity, they were placed on the Merit List and each poet received a cash award of ₦15,000.

1. Morayo Aliya and Henshaw Daniel

2. Oluwafemi and Oluwaseyi Oyelami

3. Adetosho Enoch and Grace Jacob

4. Emmanuel Oluwatobi and Adeshimisola Samuel 

Top 2 Duet Winners Spotlight
The Top 2 duet winners were selected from the Top 11 list.

FIRST PLACE

Love Vows by Akintan-Ralpha Maria and Mayowa Oyebamiji

SECOND PLACE

Promises4ever by David Omale and Alimikhena Oshiole

Winners’ Award
A total cash prize of ₦150,000 was shared among the winners:

₦90,000 was awarded to the first place duet winners.

₦60,000 was awarded to the second place duet winners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVLXuEQjN90/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Appreciation

We sincerely appreciate every participant who took part in the February contest. Thank you to our ever loyal audience, judges, volunteers and partners.

Thank you for a February full of love. 

See you in March!

Summary Blog Written and Edited by: 

Adetutu Oluwapelumi-Deuel