A new creative wave is sweeping through Nigeria’s poetry and performance scene as Echowords, a platform founded by singer, songwriter, and author Elu Emina, successfully launched the maiden edition of its Spoken Word Contest. The initiative, designed to amplify youth voices and nurture creativity, has already struck a chord among young Nigerians seeking expression through art and storytelling.
The contest attracted more than 103 participants from across the country, showcasing the power of poetry as a tool for social commentary and self-discovery. Through a combination of stage performances and voting, the number of contestants was narrowed down to 30 before the final winners were announced.
Iyenemi Muriel Ogbole emerged the overall winner with her compelling piece Life, earning a cash prize of ₦500,000. Ogbu Joy Chiamaka came second with her poem To Those Things Hurting Childhood, winning ₦150,000, while Favour Chinaza Basil took third place with Struggle of the Girl Child, receiving ₦50,000.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Emina described Echowords as more than just a contest—it is a movement for expression, healing, and empowerment.
“In a country where more than 60 per cent of the population is under 25, too many young people still feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued,” he said. “With youth unemployment hovering around 40 per cent, countless bright voices are left on the sidelines, their stories silenced before they’re ever told. That’s where Echowords comes in—to amplify youth voices, celebrate their stories, and turn their words into power.”
Emina revealed that Echowords’ impact will extend beyond the competition. Plans are underway to take spoken word performances to schools, local communities, and major cultural events, ensuring that more young Nigerians find their voices through the art form.
“Our goal is simple,” he added. “To amplify youth voices, nurture creativity, and make spoken word a force for social change.”
Winner Iyenemi Muriel Ogbole described her journey as one of resilience and creativity, urging young Nigerians to embrace poetry and spoken word as powerful tools for expression and self-discovery.
Beyond Echowords, Emina continues to build a rich artistic portfolio. He is the author of Night Market, a novel that tells the story of a young girl navigating a world of witches, gods, and phantoms. His musical career reflects similar depth and experimentation—his Afrobeat single Oya blends Hausa, English, and the Chinese Guzheng, while his upcoming release features lyrics in the ancient Coptic language, underscoring his commitment to fusing culture, sound, and storytelling.
With Echowords, Emina’s artistic journey now takes on a broader social dimension—one that uses creativity to empower a generation and give voice to Nigeria’s untold stories.