Yemipoet January Poetry Contest’26

Theme:Speak Life Into This Year

The year 2026 began on a hopeful and affirming note as Yemipoet  launched its January monthly contest themed “Speak Life Into This Year.” The contest encouraged participants to use words as seed speaking hope, purpose, resilience, and intention into the new year.

The theme resonated widely, drawing voices from different backgrounds who shared powerful reflections, affirmations, and personal declarations for the year ahead.

The contest was officially announced on January 1st, 2026, and submissions closed on January 9th, 2026. By the close of the submission period, a total of 746 entries were received, making it one of the most engaging monthly contests so far.

Submission Process

All entries were submitted through the official website, www.yemipoetproduction.com.

Evaluation and Winners Selection 
Entries were carefully reviewed based on originality, creativity, and emotional depth. 

Highlights

50 outstanding entries were specially highlighted for their depth, originality, and uplifting messages, celebrating the collective strength of voices within the community.

Top 3 Winners Spotlight
The Top 3 winners were selected from the Top 50 list.

FIRST PLACE

IKECHUKWU FAVOUR

Year of the Open Mouth

Click here to watch the spoken word presentation of our winner's poem by Opeyemi Enitan Moses.

SECOND PLACE

SALEEMA A ZAMSARF

No More Leaving it to Luck

THIRD PLACE

FAVOUR DANIEL

Luminous Echoes

Winners Award
 

A total cash prize of ₦85,000 was shared among the winners.

Appreciation
We sincerely appreciate every participant who took part in the January contest. Your words set the tone for the year and reminded us of the power of speaking life first to ourselves, and then to the world.

Thank you for starting 2026 with purpose. We look forward to more impactful moments in the months ahead.

See you in February!

Summary Blog Written By: Kolajo Zainab 

Edited by: Adetutu Oluwapelumi-Deuel