We are thrilled to announce a special addition to the SEVHAGE Literary Prizes 2024 – the Vivian Ihaza [SEVHAGE] Teen Poetry Prize, in memory of Vivian Ihaza who was a compassionate individual, a seasoned professional, and an advocate for knowledge-sharing and the arts. This prize is open to Nigerian teenagers aged 12 to 17, offering a welcome launchpad for their creative expression plus career while fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation.

About the Prize

The Vivian Ihaza [SEVHAGE] Teen Poetry Prize is designed to promote creative writing and nurture a love for literature among teenage writers in Nigeria and beyond. Through this prize, we aim to support emerging voices in poetry, offering them the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. This initiative seeks to create a space where young writers can express themselves and contribute to the rich literary landscape while honouring the memory of Vivian Ihaza.

Who Was Vivian Ihaza?

Vivian Ihaza was a highly accomplished Marketing and Communications professional with over 17 years of experience. She built an impressive career in broadcasting, sales, advertising, and marketing management, holding senior positions at multiple blue-chip companies across various industries. Her journey in the corporate world culminated in her role as a senior business manager, where she applied her wealth of expertise in managing large-scale operations.

Beyond her professional success, Vivian was deeply passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others. She dedicated much of her time to consulting and capacity building, helping individuals and organisations grow. A committed advocate for the arts, Vivian was known for her philanthropy and deep compassion. She loved learning, evolving, and encouraging others to do the same, making her a beloved figure among all who knew her.

Key Dates and Timelines

• Submission Window: October 1st – November 30th, 2024
• Winners Announcement: By February 2025
• All winners will be contacted via email by February 2025, with an awards ceremony or virtual event to follow.

Submission Guidelines

All entries must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Eligibility: The competition is open to Nigerian writers aged 12 to 17.
• Submission Format: Attach a poem as an MS Word Document without any name or identification of the author, and send to sevhageprizes@gmail.com with the subject VIT POETRY 2024. In the body of the email, write your name, age, address, school (where applicable), and contact number.
• Line Limit: Each poem should not exceed 50 lines.
• Entry Limit: Each entrant is allowed to submit only one poem.
• Deadline: All submissions must be sent in by November 30th, 2024.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, coherence, emotional depth, and the overall impact of the poem. If a large number of entries are received, readers will be brought in to shortlist entries before the final round of judging, ensuring an objective and thorough evaluation.

Prize Structure

• First Prize: ₦220,000 and a digital certificate of recognition.
• Second Prize: ₦30,000 and a digital certificate of recognition.
• Third Prize: ₦20,000 and a digital certificate of recognition.
• Longlist: The top ten entries will receive digital certificates of recognition.

In addition, the top 15 poems will be compiled into a digital chapbook titled Vivian Ihaza’s Verse 2024, which will be published in 2025.

We look forward to reading your entries… So, send them already!

For more information and updates, keep an eye on our website and social media channels or send us an sevhageprizes@gmail.com. Happy writing!