We are excited to announce Azizah Bello as the winner of the inaugural Vivian Ihaza [SEVHAGE] Teen Poetry Prize 2024, with her poem, ‘Ode to Innocence’, earning her the grand prize of N220,000 and a digital certificate. Following closely are Alaga Unwomanumu with the poem, ‘First Confession; A Burning Haibun’ and Grace Orobosa with ‘Clad Over the Starkness of the Earth’ coming second and third.

The Vivian Ihaza [SEVHAGE] Teen Poetry Prize 2024 celebrates the exceptional talents of young Nigerian poets aged 12 to 17. This prize honours the memory of Vivian Ihaza, a compassionate individual, seasoned professional, and advocate for knowledge-sharing and the arts. The other candidates on the shortlist for the prize are:

• “A Body Walks Into Grief with [ ]” by Divine Okpe (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
• “A Shaping Into Stormy Days & Dead Nights” by Sa’ada Isa Yahaya (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
• “Burning Elysium” by Muhammad M. Ubandoma (Father O’Connell Science College, Minna)
• “Cravings” by Emmanuella Koori (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
• “Demand: Marriage Rule To Be Adjusted” by Racheal Dandi Madakan (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)
• “The Living Prays to Die like You” by Noah Faith (Jewel Model Secondary School, Abuja)

The Vivian Ihaza (SEVHAGE) Teen Poetry Prize is one of the core components of the SEVHAGE Literary Prizes organised by SEVHAGE Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative. The judges for the Vivian Ihaza Prize 2024 are the celebrated poets, Dami Ajayi, Olajide Salawu, and Rasaq Malik.

About 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. 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 organizations 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.
The Vivian Ihaza [SEVHAGE] Teen Poetry Prize was established to honor her legacy by fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and self-expression among the next generation of Nigerian poets.