We are thrilled to announce the winning entry of the annual Akachi Chukwuemeka prize for literature, as “The Last Trauma Poem,” by H. B. Asari.

Honorary mentions include:

Portrait as an Anti-ballast by Chinemerem P. Nwankwo
Morning Rituals and how to Contain Chaos by by Aishat Yahkub

This literary prize, worth 100,000 naira, will be awarded to a single poem by an African writer, that raises awareness about mental health and at the same time demonstrates the transforming power of literature.

The winning entry, alongside all long-listed entries will be published by Arts Lounge, in a collection to be released on the theme of mental health.

Special thanks to the Judges; Ogochukwu Ukwueze and Obor Chinecherem; for their hard work and effortless delivery judging for the contest. We also appreciate the generosity of our donors:

Poetry Column-NND
Unoma Azuah
Chibuike Ogbonna
Chisom Okafor
Obor Chinecherem
Ohia Ernest
Adaeze Nwadike