Poets in Nigeria

01/10/2026

MONTH OF FREEDOM & CREATIVITY

It was in 2017 that we at Poets in Nigeria declared October as the month of freedom and creativity to intentionally highlight their importance to intellectual capacity, collective growth and nation building. In this regard, we have deliberately sensitised and galvanised Nigerians to appreciate poetry, as a powerful tool for delivering positive messages to society. This 1st day of October annually, marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of creativity in all forms. In this regard, and in view of leaving a creative legacy for generations, PIN has realised one of its dreams in the establishment of Cross Country Poetry Initiative (CCPI), the organiser of Cross Country Poetry Celebration (CCPC), an annual multi-location celebration of poetry and poets who make poetry happen in different colours. The 2026 edition will be held across Nigeria and West Virginia University in the United States (USA) on 17th October, 2026 - same time - 3pm. Theme for the event is "Moments: Capturing Times With Words" with renowned Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo as keynote Speaker.

Based on available records, the CCPC will be held in 52 locations and counting across 25 states and Abuja in the Federal Capital City (FCT). Each location is manned by a volunteer host with support from co-hosts. From Biu in Borno State where the Biu Literary Club will be the host of CCPC to Warri where Agatha Ataghar will be hosting the event, and several locations, we are a reflection of our diversity and the multiplicity of poems that will address the theme. We proudly exemplify the best we seek in communities around our country and the world.

As we begin a countdown to the CCPC 2026, I hereby appreciate the President Awal Idris-Evuti and members of the CCPI management for signing up for the promotion of poetry via the CCPI. Looking forward to a swell time as we celebrate Moments: Capturing Times with Words.

Eriata Oribhabor
President, co-founder
Poets in Nigeria Intiative

24/09/2026

The NSPP is back

A relaunch of this flagship Initiative of PIN is scheduled for 15th January, 2027.


Daniel Kehinde Olalekan
Moderator-in-Charge
Top Entrant of the NSPP, 2020

17/09/2026

PIN: THE STORY CONTINUES - 3: YUSUF HALIMA

PIN OOU (Olabisi Obasanjo University), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state was established in 2018. It was born out of the desire of wanting to build a community around this thing I enjoyed doing, which was writing.

As a group, we learned together, grew together and explored so much with poetry on campus. Many members have gone on to do great things within and outside the poetry space but the key thing is how their writing and interaction within the connect centre played a huge role in that. Also, communities are essential for growth and being able to provide that will always be a huge benefit to any institution.

Pioneer Lead Rep
PIN OOU, Ago-Iwoye
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Excerpts: Connecting The Story (Pioneering Poetry Reading At PIN Connect Centres 2017-2025) Edited by: Blessed Chinatu Orji, Teniola Balogun, Eriata Oribhabor and Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom (2025)

17/09/2026

Shout out to our newest followers!

Excited to have you onboard!

Cali Rigaax, Saint Morris, Dani Gonzalo

08/09/2026

CCPC LIVE IN JEDDO

Looking forward to rhythms of crafted moments, enthusiastically expressed on stage.

Featuring:
* Renowned Spoken Word Poet and Team Lead of Poetry Transforming Society - Karo Ebrus Enajemo is our Guest Poet.

* Winners of the Waffi Children Poetry Slam

* Poems of Winners of the August edition of YemiPoet Monthly Poetry Contest will be read/preseged on stage and celebrated accordingly.

The above will be preceded by Keynote presentation on the theme: "Moments: Capturing Times with Words" by Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo - (Prof of English, literary theorist, novelist, playwright, poet, short story writer and children’s author, Chief Judge for PIN Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP)2017.

Eriata Oribhabor

08/09/2026

AYO DEFORGE VOLUNTEERS TO MODERATE, PIN STORYTELLING INITIATIVE

We are excited to announce a new Moderator for PIN Storytelling Initiative formerly moderated by Barr. Poet Alade Toheeb Oluwatoyin.

Ayo Deforge is a Nigerian writer based in the south of France.

An alumna of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Creative Writing Workshop and the Faber Academy, her work has appeared in Litro Magazine, Brittle Paper, Ayo Magazine, Kalahari Review, JayLit, Lucy Writers Platform, the Love Grows Stronger in Death anthology, and other publications.

She is the author of Tearless (shortlisted for the ANA Fiction Prize and the Chinua Achebe Prize), Grips of Grief (shortlisted for the ANA Non-Fiction Prize), and the poetry collection, "the Mind is not an ally". Her second novel, Under the Rain, was released in December 2025.

As a guest at the PIN @10 Anniversary 2025, Ayo discussed the topic - "Poets & Wellness: Writing Futures."

We earnestly look forward to thrilling moments of exciting stories shared.

Eriata Oribhabor
For: PIN Initiative

21/08/2026

06/08/2026

📢 OPEN CALL FOR CCPC ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS 2026

Since 2018, the Cross-Country Poetry Initiative (CCPI) has remained committed to discovering, nurturing, and showcasing poetic voices across Nigeria. Through the annual Cross-Country Poetry Celebration (CCPC), that journey continues.

This year, we are resolved on curating a CCPI Anthology of Poems on the following theme:

Moments: Capturing Times With Words

Accordingly you are invited to write an original poem inspired by the theme and stand a chance to be featured in the CCPC 2026 Anthology, receive an e-copy, have your poem read across CCPC locations, or personally present it at any location closer to you during the celebration which will be held on 17th October, 2026 across Nigeria.

📅 Deadline: September 30, 2026
📧 Submit: [email protected]
Add: Location and Telephone no

Adegbite Uthman Adeyemi
Secretary, CCPI
☎️ Contact: +234 816 240 6757