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FOLORUNSHO EDITOR’S POETRY PRIZE

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5 months ago

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Named after the late Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi, the Folorunsho Editor’s Poetry Prize follows in the tradition of upholding and supporting poetry in Nigeria through its Poetry Column.

ELIGIBILITY

Only poets published in the Poetry Column in the year under consideration are eligible for this prize. That is, poets published during our unsolicited period (Jan – Sept). The winners will be announced on the last day of the year annually (December 31).

DR SAMUEL FOLORUNSHO IBIYEMI

About Dr Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi

Prior to his death on July 4, 2023, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi was the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Nigerian NewsDirect. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University between 1991 and 1995 graduating with a degree in Economics before proceeding to University of Lagos where he earned a Master’s degree in Economics in 1998. He started his journalism career with Industrial Leaders Magazine as a staff writer. In 2000, he joined Financial Standard where he was Deputy Editor until 2009 before switching to Nigerian Tribune serving as Group Business Editor between 2010 and 2011. In March 2011, Ibiyemi established Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper. He is a prominent member of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Ibiyemi started his career in the Nigeria Air Force between 1984 and 2000 and left the military after a short time of service (16 years) with formidable records, joining the media in his 30s. He worked with the defunct Financial Standard where he rose from reporter to the post of deputy editor in one of the fastest upward trajectories in the media industry at the time within six years. In 2009, he left for Nigerian Tribune where he climbed the ladder to the post of the Group Business Editor.

Journalism gave him the platform for broad engagement with seasoned leaders in business and politics, far and wide, particularly in the Country.

In 2011, Ibiyemi conceived the idea of Nigerian NewsDirect which he started. Ibiyemi went against suggestions of the paper being run by political sponsorship from suggested politicians who showed interest to be patrons of the house. His decision led to some close associates distancing from the vision, but his doggedness saw the paper surviving the hurdles of die-hard tough times. Against having a political patron sponsorship framework that would reduce the paper to the voice of a patron and his political interest, Ibiyemi chose to premise the structure of the paper on a broader business perspective, without delimitation to an enclosed political frontage. His approach saw the paper having a wider coverage than would have been the case, if the suggestion of a political patron was settled for. It was clear he knew what exactly he wanted, without recourse to compromises.

The paper rose in ranks to become recognised and formidable among leading newspapers in the Country today. The paper rose from the ranks of a weekly publication to a national daily circulating nationwide, known for credibility and objectivity.

Ibiyemi by the paper pushed to put business and political leaders on their toes. His influence particularly in the Southwest saw his engagement with Governors and other key political and public office holders yielding results of accountability with responsive returns to the masses.

As he extended his outreach to national impact, Ibiyemi at some point, began his inroads into politics. His first shot was at the gubernatorial seat of Osun. In 2018, Ibiyemi was among the leading aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) party ticket and within a short time, built a formidable base of followers which attracted concern. However, after some close door deliberations within the APC family, he conceded to make way for the immediate past Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, who remained to him, till his exit, a close associate.
Ibiyemi also added to his works the ministry of faith as he established and saw to the administration of Christ Apostolic Church, Great Grace Ministry International, where he served as the Lead Evangelist.

  • Publisher – Nigerian NewsDirect (Daily National newspaper). March 2011 till July 2023.
  • Editor-in-Chief-Nigerian NewsDirect: March 2010 to March 2011.
  • Media Consultant – Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (August 2013 to October 2014).
  • Member, Petroleum Industry Bill Technical Drafting Committee of Petroleum Ministry – October 2013 to Feb 2014.
  • Group Business Editor/Deputy Editor-(Nigerian Tribune). January 2009 to February 2010.
  • Deputy Editor – October 2007 to November 2009, Millennium Harvest Limited (Publisher of Financial Standard).
  • Associate Editor, Dec. 2004 – Oct. 2007 Millennium Harvest Limited (Publisher of Financial Standard).
  • Senior Energy Correspondent -Dec. 2001 – Dec. 2004 Millennium Harvest Limited (Publisher of Financial Standard).
  • Energy Correspondent – June 2000 – Dec. 2001 Millennium Harvest Limited (Publisher of Financial Standard).
  • Capital Market Reporter (Freelance) – January 2000 – June 2000 Industrial Leaders Communications Ltd. (Publisher of Nigeria’s Business and News Magazine).
  • Armed Forces Resettlement Centre – January to June 2000).
  • Airforce Secondary School, Ikeja (Economics Teacher) September 1997 to December 1999.
  • Nigerian Airforce (Regiment-Armament, Aircraft Electronics & Instructor) May 25, 1984 to June 30, 2000.

AWARDS

  • Best Article Writer: Obafemi Awolowo University (1992).
  • Star Reporter Award: Financial Standard (2001).
  • Outstanding Performance: Financial Standard (2001).
  • Vocational Excellence Award: Rotary International (2001).
  • Star Reporter Award: Financial Standard (2004).
  • Distinguished Alumnus Award: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. (2006).
  • Distinguished Personality of the Year: (Christ Apostolic Church) (2008).
  • Best Editor of the Year-July 18, 2013. The Students’ Union Government, Federal College of Education, Osiele Abeokuta.
  • Recognition Award- November 3, 2015, Estate Rent & Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN), Lagos State Chapter.
  • Award of Excellence for Entrepreneurship. August 30, 2012, National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC).
  • Award of Excellence. September 20, 2015, Reverend SBJ Oshoffa Memorial Schools, Lagos.
  • Recognition Award. June 6, 2013 Communicators for Christ Fellowship (CFC), Department of Mass Communication University of Lagos.
  • Ordination as Elder in Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura, Ijoko, Ogun State- Nov 2008.
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News

NDLEA collaborates with BUA Cement to combat drug abuse among workers

Published

3 weeks ago

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April 23, 2024

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The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has initiated a collaborative effort with BUA Cement to implement regular drug tests for drivers and other employees of the company, aiming to ensure they remain free from illicit substances.

Mr. Adamu Iro, the NDLEA Commandant in Sokoto State, disclosed this during a sensitization lecture jointly organized by NDLEA and BUA Cement for the company’s workers in Sokoto. Iro emphasized that this initiative would play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and commended BUA Cement for its commitment to this partnership.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Iro noted the alarming trend of some drivers engaging in the illegal use of substances, posing significant risks to their health and overall well-being. He expressed concern that drug abuse has unfortunately become a normalized lifestyle for many Nigerians, leading to an increase in criminal activities among drug-dependent individuals.

Iro underscored the correlation between drug abuse and the prevalent crimes in the nation, emphasizing that drivers under the influence of drugs pose serious threats to public safety through road accidents.

Mrs. Ramatu Sani, the Head of Training at BUA Cement, expressed gratitude to NDLEA for their support in promoting the well-being of workers and enhancing productivity within the company. She emphasized the significance of the sensitization program in fostering a healthy work environment and sustaining the partnership between NDLEA and BUA Cement.

Mr. Ibrahim Bande, the Head of Transport at BUA Cement, urged workers to heed the lectures and abstain from all forms of drug abuse, emphasizing its detrimental effects on personal development and societal well-being. He cautioned drivers against operating under the influence of drugs, emphasizing the importance of upholding the company’s integrity and ensuring road safety.

The event included a drama presentation highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and recognized staff members who have contributed to the fight against drug abuse within the company. Additionally, a road walk was organized within the community to raise awareness among residents about the hazards of drug abuse and its associated consequences.

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Submission Guidelines

Poetry Column-NND, Arts Lounge, CookingPot Publishing partner on Akachi Chukwuemeka Prize for Literature

Published

2 months ago

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March 16, 2024

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Arts Lounge officially announces the call for submission for The 2024 Akachi Chukwuemeka Prize for Literature, in memory of Nigerian poet, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ugwuoke, popularly known as Chukwuemeka Akachi (1998-2019). Poetry Column-NND is a regular sponsor of the prize.

Chukwuemeka Akachi, a literary genius, died on the 13th of May, 2019, after a long time battle with a mental illness. Akachi had, before his death, made numerous, beautiful memories, and robbed off his alluring personality on everyone he came across. He was also the first contributor to Arts Lounge Literary Magazine, sending us his poem entitled ’Chat History’ to be published as soon as our website was launched.

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. Winning work will also echo the chances of survival from mental health issues.

Submission Guidelines

  1. The prize is open to Africans living in Africa and the diaspora.
  2. Entries will be accepted from 1st of March-20th of April, 2024.
  3. Send a single poem of no more than 30 lines.
  4. Poem should be well edited, single spaced and in New Times Roman.
  5. The name of the poet should not appear on the document that has the poem.
  6. Entry should be accompanied by a cover letter that has the name, nationality, location and biography of the poet.
  7. Send entry to [email protected] with the subject: Akachi Chukwuemeka Prize.
  8. Questions and inquiries about the prize should be sent to the same email address.
  9. All long-listed entries will be published by Arts Lounge, in a collection to be released on the theme of mental health, later this year.
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Submission Guidelines

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: POETRY COLUMN-NND

Published

4 months ago

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January 5, 2024

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Poetry Column-NND is open to poetry submissions from Nigerian poets weekly. We publish one poem per week in our newspaper by Nigerian poets & are open to a diversity of voices—established & emerging. Check out our website for older publications to have an idea of what we publish.

We pay a token of N5,000 per poem. Our response time is one week; after which you can send an inquiry mail.
Submission Period: Saturday – Wednesday every week (Entries submitted on Thursday and Friday will remain unread).

GUIDELINES
– Send in one poem not more than 50 lines to [email protected]
– Submit the poem in the body of the mail.
– Send in bio not more than 50 words.
– Twitter and Instagram handles should be listed therein.

Former contributors are to wait a duration of six months from date of publication before submitting new work to the column. This is to promote an equitable spirit. Resources are limited and we want to give others the opportunity to be published too.

Closed Period: From October to December, we do not receive unsolicited poetry submissions but will instead publish works carefully selected by our curators, if possible.

All poets published between January and September are automatically entered into the FOLORUNSHO EDITOR’S POETRY PRIZE for that year.

PS:
While the right to the poem reverts to each poet upon publication, Poetry Column-NND reserves the right to republish each published poem in its annual anthology at the end of each year.

Signed,
Pamilerin Jacob
Curator

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