Echezona Chukwu Wins Korea/Nigeria Poetry Fiesta Grand Prize

In commemoration of the world poetry day, the Korean Cultural Centre, Nigeria in collaboration with Arojah Concepts put together what is considered one of the best poetry competitions which drew participants from primary and secondary schools among others.

At the end of the competition, the judges declared Echezona Chukwu as the winner with the grand price of N100,000 while Stephen Adinoye went home with a microwave oven for the ambassador special awards. The competition which is in its 6th edition received lots of entries this year from across the country.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr Wale Okediran, who is an award winning writer and politician said the event was worthy of emulation and called on people to continue supporting the effort of the centre.

Also speaking, the newly appointed director of the Korean Cultural Centre, Han Sungrae, said he’s quite pleased to celebrate this year’s 6th Korea-Nigeria Poetry Feast with everyone. He said Korea and Nigeria were growing stronger in their relationship because of the similarities between them and pledged to do more to promote even greater ties.

“It is now barely 1 month since I arrived Nigeria for the first time to take up my role as the director of Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria. Since then, I have so far been greatly encouraged by the level of enthu-siasm shown by Nigerians towards arts. In the quality and number of poems submitted by Nigerians from around the country for this poetry feast, it is certain that literature has quite blossomed here and this land will continue to be the home of many renowned writers in the rank of Wole Soyinka.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the 17 poets who have been awarded the prizes in recognition of their excellent works of poetry. Also I appre-ciate the efforts and works of other poets who couldn’t make the list, I am very sure the judges had a tough time in coming up with the best poems.

“As you know, culture has played a key role in promoting understanding between peoples of the world. Through ages, Literature and in particular poetry always provides that avenue through which human beings share the beauty of our consciousness of the need for reform in our society. This event is held not only to encourage Nigerian poets but also to foster more unity and understanding between both countries,” he stated.