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<blockquote>THEME: 2024, A GRATEFUL WALK</blockquote>The year held and unravelled multiple things for people (positive and negative). This gives insight into the reason the theme “2024, A Grateful Walk,” reflective in tone, was chosen for our poets. The aim was for each poet to lock into their journey through the lens of introspection to provoke gratitude; helping them focus on appreciating their experiences, buckling courage to their chest and embracing the new year with even positive energy.&nbsp;SUBMISSION CRITERIA The recognized poetry category for the month was Free Verse, giving room to each poet's creativity with their structures and expressions without the rudiments of a rhyme scheme. The Submission deadline was on December 9th. After the deadline elapsed, we recorded the submission of 200 poems in written form only.&nbsp;EVALUATIONKeeping in mind the recognition of the creativity, time and effort dedicated to each work, our judge swung right into evaluating the pieces. The evaluation criterion was selecting poems which resonated and truly reflected the stories, and experiences of poets, showcasing their gratitude attitude around the clock of 2024. Through this measure, the judge could streamline 200 whopping poems into the Top 30 poems, assigning deserved recognition to the creativity of 30 poets.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-br25upmvpwm5bpi3pn"><img id="br25upmvpwm5bpi3pn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13aqOqOOMXEcuSfzmmgDKkJlh3AKdwrgbO2EXNMlF6zpcc6x3d6jvbisw0czclU6.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 10%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="10%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13aqOqOOMXEcuSfzmmgDKkJlh3AKdwrgbO2EXNMlF6zpcc6x3d6jvbisw0czclU6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 10%;"></figure>From 30 poets, we went further to streamlining to the Top 10 poets whose works truly met the criterion on a higher percentage and for the first time in the history of YemiPoets, we had a STAR JUDGE, the person of Mrs Esther Adegoke. &nbsp;She was of great help with the selection of our winners (Top 3) from the Top 10. She also made donations of 100,000 Naira to be awarded to the Top 3 poets. We are using this medium to send a special shout-out and appreciation for her remarkable effort and expertise in the selection and donation.&nbsp;Our Top 3 poets include:&nbsp;1st Place: Jessica Okpe&nbsp;Title: Twenty Twenty - Four&nbsp;2nd Place: Tehila Okagbue&nbsp;Title: Ode to Self&nbsp;3rd Place: Eniola Pitan&nbsp;Title: Hymn of Gratitude&nbsp;<figure id="figure-h7hyj1g8lm5bpjap3"><img id="h7hyj1g8lm5bpjap3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a6kWuW0BD8N6YFL4fUWITvLCcxr338Hb2AokvMm17zlAi9MoqBgAAf41WDvlEi7.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a6kWuW0BD8N6YFL4fUWITvLCcxr338Hb2AokvMm17zlAi9MoqBgAAf41WDvlEi7.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Our top 3 had one thing in common: it was their prowess in beautifully capturing their real 2024 experiences, allotting us the honour of recognizing their expression and authenticity at YemiPoets.&nbsp;The monetary prize was awarded to the winners in the following order; 1st place: 50,000 Naira, 2nd place: 30,000 Naira, and 3rd place: 20,000 Naira.&nbsp;As we know, YemiPoet is dedicated to loving humanity and recognizing the works of each poet. You would agree we could not have given all 200 poets some sort of award, however, we awarded our remaining 7 poets from the Top 10 with the sum of 5,000 Naira each. This showcases our awareness of inclusivity and recognition of poets which is a mantra in our community.&nbsp;SUMMARYThrough this month's contest, YemiPoet was able to plunge her audiences and participants into deep reflection on what they've been throughout 2024 and still find the strength to express their gratitude in words.&nbsp;MORAL LESSONIn all things, give thanks! In the end, you would not look like what you've been through.&nbsp;APPRECIATIONTo our audiences and participants, thank you for always responding to YemiPoet. Remember, we're committed to recognizing your creativity. We hope to do more in 2025.&nbsp;See you there!&nbsp;

DECEMBER POETRY CONTEST: GRATITUDE, THE HALLMARK OF OUR JOURNEY

November Poetry Contest; A Celebration of Health through Creativity&nbsp;Yemipoet Creation is a platform that nurtures creativity by hosting monthly poetry contests. It provides thoughtful themes for poets to explore, providing an avenue to showcase their talents, celebrate uniqueness, and elevate the art of poetry.THEME: LESS SUGAR, HEALTHIER LIFE.&nbsp;The theme, satirical in tone, was chosen to enlighten on the harm of excessive sugar intake versus the fleeting pleasure it provides at consumption. It highlights the health risks while promoting the benefits of moderation for a healthier life.Each entry comprised three Stanzas, a maximum of 12 lines only. The submission deadline was 8th November 2024 which the participants fulfilled.&nbsp;Yemi Poet Creation received 131 entries in total. We had diverse entries; 86 participants showcased their creativity in written form while 45 participants decided to scale higher, making their entries in spoken words.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-ckp5v6gjlsm4wyjwtz"><img id="ckp5v6gjlsm4wyjwtz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3azetZjvMkWhhjBNRSBMAmNBE5GSVzYhyYeKFXMVRYAkcy4bxiAs8X2gHj3UIOPD.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Our judges diligently examined and gave recognition to each entry; the least-scored poet had 73% while the highest-scored poet had 98%, then, we proceeded to select our Top 25 Poets, and none scored less than 93%.&nbsp;Finally, we proceeded to select our Top 10 poets from the 45 poets who made their entries in spoken words.&nbsp;Winners Spotlight At Yemipoet, there can only be three winners in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place respectively, however this month, we selected four winners based, not just on their eloquence or flow with words, but on their content, structures, figurative language and imagery, emotion, originality, rhythm, performance, and impact of their message to the audience.&nbsp;1st Place: Aisha Umar Sabo&nbsp;Title: Echoes of Sweetness, Shadows of Cost.&nbsp;2nd Place: Olatunde Enoch&nbsp;Title: Sweet Deception.&nbsp;3rd Place: Iqrom Tesilim&nbsp;Title: Sirens&nbsp;4th Place: Adejumobi Adetosho Enoch&nbsp;Title: Sweet Today, Bitter Tomorrow.&nbsp;The sum of 75,000 Naira was initially provided to be awarded to our top 3 poets, but 15,000 naira was added to the initial cash prize, making it the sum of 90,000 Naira awarded to the selected top 4 poets.&nbsp;The monetary prize was awarded to them in the following order; 1st place: 30,000 Naira, 2nd place: 25,000 Naira, 3rd place: 20,000 Naira, 4th Place: 15,000 Naira.&nbsp;Challenges: One challenge was not receiving some hashtagged renditions, preventing some renditions from appearing directly on our page.&nbsp;Solution; going forward, we are implementing a better system to ensure all hash-tagged renditions are tracked and visible on our page, ensuring every submission is seen and receives the recognition it deserves.YemiPoet will continue to strive to bring people together using poetry as a medium and to raise a community of poets, bringing influence and impact to people in their day-to-day activities and providing a soaring and recognition space for men.&nbsp;Through the works of each poet, our audiences were enlightened on the health effects such as the log of diseases, the excessive intake of sugar causes, and the importance of taking less sugar which is a priority individuals must nurture for a healthier life. Also, the contest brought people together within the community and amidst poets, giving everyone a varied positive and negative perspective on a healthier life.&nbsp;Moral Lesson/Food for ThoughtsThe theme for the November contest "Less Sugar, Healthier Life" expounds on the importance of moderate and mindful choices. Prioritizing one's health is important, but it takes discipline, balance and intentional healthy habits to uphold the effort of not consuming excessive sugar intake and other &nbsp;If you want to lead and enjoy a fulfilling and sustainable quality of life, consider healthy practices.&nbsp;Appreciation: Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our participants and supporters. We are here to stay and are committed to recognizing people and their ounces of creativity.

November Poetry Contest

Participating in a poetry contest is an exciting opportunity for writers to showcase their creativity, but it also comes with specific rules and expectations. The Yemipoet Poetry Contest, renowned for celebrating poetic expression, is no exception. Unfortunately, Many talented poets miss out on making the top 10 due to avoidable mistakes, which could easily be prevented with&nbsp;attention to detail. If you're considering entering the contest, here's a guide to help you avoid these common pitfalls and boost your chances of success!1. Avoid Repeating the Theme as the Title One of the most common mistakes poets make is using the contest theme as the title of their poem. While it might seem like a safe choice, this can be too literal or uninspired. Instead, you can just focus on creating a title that captures the essence of your poem, sparking curiosity and inviting the reader into your work. A great title often reflects the theme more subtly or creatively, making your submission stand out.2. Stick to the Required Number of Stanzas or Lines Most poetry contests, including Yemipoet, set guidelines for the number of stanzas or lines your poem should have. Failing to meet these requirements can disqualify your entry or reduce its chances of ranking. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, and if there's a specific length mentioned, stick to it. A poem that is too short may lack depth, while one that’s too long could overwhelm the judges. Balance is key!3. Submit Your Poem On Time Deadlines are crucial in any competition, and the Yemipoet Poetry Contest is no exception. Submitting your poem late, even by a minute, could mean automatic disqualification. Plan to avoid last-minute stress. Be sure you have ample time to proofread your work, submit it, and confirm that your entry has been received.&nbsp;4. Respond to Emails Promptly After submitting your poem, you may receive follow-up emails from the contest organizers. Whether it’s a confirmation of receipt or a request for additional information, responding promptly is essential. Ignoring these emails or responding too late can reflect poorly on your professionalism and could affect your entry's chances of advancing. Make sure to monitor your inbox and stay on top of communication.5. Follow the Instructions Dutifully Each contest comes with its own set of rules and guidelines. Whether it's formatting requirements, word count limits, or submission protocols, it's important to follow the instructions to the letter. Ignoring or overlooking even small details can lead to your poem being disqualified or marked down. Before submitting, double-check the contest rules to ensure you're in full compliance.6. Take Time to Revise and Polish Your Work While following the technical guidelines is essential, the quality of your poem itself is the most important factor. Be sure your poem is well-written, original, and reflective of your voice. Revise and refine your work, checking for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. A polished poem that adheres to the contest's theme and structure will give you a higher chance of making the top 10.Conclusion Entering the Yemipoet Poetry Contest offers a fantastic opportunity to share your poetic voice with a wider audience. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as repeating the theme as the title, not adhering to stanza or line requirements, submitting late, failing to respond to emails on time, or neglecting the instructions—you can ensure that your entry is professional, well-crafted, and aligned with the contest’s expectations.Remember, the key to success in any competition is attention to detail, creativity, and a commitment to following the rules. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to submitting a winning poem in the Yemipoet Poetry Contest!Good luck, and may your words shine! ✨

Avoid These Common Mistakes in the Yemipoet Poetry Contest and Increase Your Chances of Winning

<h2>Understanding the Theme</h2>Before you start writing, take time to understand the theme of the contest. Yemipoet often provides a theme or prompt. This is your starting point. Think about what it means to you. How does it connect to your experiences or emotions? Use these thoughts to guide your poem.Remember, a theme is not a restriction. It's a guide. You can interpret it in your own way. This is where your creativity shines.<figure id="figure-wgoxnb5rsfm3h9bhlk"><img id="wgoxnb5rsfm3h9bhlk" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1505682634904-d7c8d95cdc50?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxwb2V0cnktd3JpdGluZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzE1ODU1MzN8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="poetry-writing" title="poetry-writing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h2>Embrace Simplicity</h2>Great poems don't need complex words. They need clear ideas. Use simple language to express your thoughts. This makes your poem accessible to everyone. It also helps you focus on the message rather than the vocabulary.Think about the emotions you want to convey. Use words that best describe those feelings. This will make your poem more relatable and impactful.<h2>Show, Don’t Tell</h2>In poetry, imagery is powerful. Instead of telling the reader what to feel, show them. Use vivid descriptions and sensory details. This paints a picture in their mind. It makes your poem more engaging.For example, instead of saying "the day was sad," describe the gray clouds and the quiet streets. Let the reader feel the sadness through the scene you create.<figure id="figure-n1nk2dt5s8m3h9bjqc"><img id="n1nk2dt5s8m3h9bjqc" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1543206558-67a9d638541b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxjcmVhdGl2ZS13cml0aW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTU4NTUzNnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="creative-writing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1543206558-67a9d638541b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxjcmVhdGl2ZS13cml0aW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTU4NTUzNnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Focus on Structure</h2>Structure gives your poem form. It can be a rhyme scheme, a meter, or a free verse. Choose what suits your style and the theme. A well-structured poem flows smoothly. It guides the reader from start to finish.Experiment with different structures. See what works best for your poem. Remember, the structure should enhance your message, not overshadow it.<h2>Edit and Revise</h2>Writing a poem is just the beginning. Editing is where you refine it. Read your poem aloud. Listen to the rhythm and flow. Make changes where necessary. Remove any words or lines that don't add value.Ask someone else to read your poem. Feedback can offer new perspectives. It helps you improve your work.<figure id="figure-zx9ahdg4em3h9bm60"><img id="zx9ahdg4em3h9bm60" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1536240478700-b869070f9279?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMXx8ZWRpdGluZy1wb2V0cnl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMxNTg1NTM5fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="editing-poetry" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1536240478700-b869070f9279?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMXx8ZWRpdGluZy1wb2V0cnl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMxNTg1NTM5fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Stay Authentic</h2>Your voice is unique. Let it shine in your poem. Don't try to mimic others. Write from your heart. Authenticity resonates with readers. It makes your poem stand out.Trust your instincts. If something feels right, keep it. If it doesn't, change it. Your poem should reflect your thoughts and feelings.<h2>Submit with Confidence</h2>Once you're satisfied with your poem, submit it. Trust in your work. You've put time and effort into it. Now, share it with the world.Remember, every contest is an opportunity to grow. Whether you win or not, you've created something meaningful. That's a victory in itself.

Top Tips for Writing Winning Poems for Yemipoet Contests

<h2>Celebrating Our Poets</h2>At Yemipoet, we love poetry. We see the power of words and the emotions they hold. Every month, we organise poetry contest based on a given theme on Instagram @Yemipoet.&nbsp; We receive at least a hundred poetry submissions, these poets share their piece and compete for the top 3 spot. September and October were no different. We had amazing entries from talented poets.<h2>September Contest Winners</h2>September was a month of creativity. The theme was 'Anger lies in the bosom of a fool'. 103 poets sent in their work. We read each poem with care. The judges had a tough time deciding the winners. In the end, three poets stood out.<figure id="figure-a5cy5fc4onm3h9yduu"><img id="a5cy5fc4onm3h9yduu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2H7cCd3CkDerpHMJ2RWu7bVjQB36I5NTuxux4WrYSXIMAEgzlJfQcqq85Z3yAvww.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 35% 10%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="35%" data-positiony="10%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2H7cCd3CkDerpHMJ2RWu7bVjQB36I5NTuxux4WrYSXIMAEgzlJfQcqq85Z3yAvww.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 35% 10%;"></figure><ol><li>First Place: Odusina Oreoluwa - The Weight of Wrath.</li><li>Second Place: Adetola Adesida- Anger in the Fool's Bosom.</li><li>Third Place: Sewande Cadmus- Anger in the Bosom of a Fool.</li></ol>We congratulate these poets. They showed great skill and passion. Their poems will inspire many.<h2>October Contest Highlights</h2>October brought new theme. Poets explored the theme from every angle. The entries were diverse and rich in emotion. Our judges were impressed by the depth of talent. Once again, we had three winners. Each poet brought something special to the table. Their work was a testament to their dedication.October's theme was My Lord, My Sherperd. We have 193 amazing entries.Meet the October Winners<figure id="figure-wku6dnmfhqm3h9n6zo" class=""><img id="wku6dnmfhqm3h9n6zo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24bwz5kuHW2HaapsxWJnA3UAAJj8kqdzKSsNNNbw7VuKelKWwQU4TU7qL5jV3Cy9.jpg" alt="writing_poetry" title="writing_poetry" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24bwz5kuHW2HaapsxWJnA3UAAJj8kqdzKSsNNNbw7VuKelKWwQU4TU7qL5jV3Cy9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>Our October winners amazed us with their creativity. Let's meet them:<ul><li>First Place: Ezinna Godwin: Through Naija Roads, My Shepherd Guides.</li><li>Second Place: Ekpenisi Nwajesu: A Canticle of Redemption.</li><li>Third Place: Jesuyimika Dominion: Find Through Life.</li></ul><h2>Looking Forward</h2>We are excited about the future. Yemipoet will continue to host contests. We want to give poets a platform to shine. Each contest brings new voices and stories. We are grateful to all participants. Your work inspires us and others.Stay tuned for more contests. We invite poets from all walks of life. Whether you are a seasoned poet or just starting, we welcome you. Share your voice and be part of our community.

Celebrating Our September and October Poetry Contest Winners

Yemipoet Creation

Yemipoet is an Instagram  page that organizes monthly and random poetry contest. Top 3 winner gets a cash prize. Yemipoet is registered  as Yemipoet Creation Company in Nigeria

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DECEMBER POETRY CONTEST: GRATITUDE, THE HALLMARK OF OUR J...

November Poetry Contest

Avoid These Common Mistakes in the Yemipoet Poetry Contes...

Top Tips for Writing Winning Poems for Yemipoet Contests

Celebrating Our September and October Poetry Contest Winners