On Saturday, July 11, in the Students’ Union Building Television Room, Miracle Oyedokun clinched the first position at the Inaugural Poetry Contest (OAU-IPC) organised by Bloom-OAU. The event, which aimed to crown the next inaugural poet, saw the presence of judges Adekunle Saheed Ewatomi and Isaiah Adepoju, a creative and an editor.
The event started around 2:38 p.m. with an opening prayer, a recital of the national anthem and the school anthem. These were followed by an opening address by the Bloom-OAU President, Oluwatamilore Aboluwarin, thanking the judges and attendees present.
Judges’ Remarks
The judges explained the modalities including, clarity, message, originality, and relevance. He also pointed out that fresh ideas, confidence, projection, expression, keeping eye contact with the audience, smooth transition, the use of language and poetic devices as well as stage presence will help boost participants’ performances.
First Round
During the first round, a total of 14 participants were called up to present their pieces. Each presented pieces of poetry based on topics that were self-picked.
2023 Inaugural Poet’s Address
Khadijah Sunmola, the second inaugural poet, spoke on how her journey has been growth-oriented. ‘Sometimes, just trying could go a long way. It might sound like a cliché, but do not stop trying,’ she stated as she emphasised that not winning should not end their resolve to push further.
Judge’s Critique, Qualifying Participants Announcement
Adepoju touched on some areas that contestants could improve upon including the importance of inculcating spontaneity. He also advised that contestants should network with one another.
Afterwards, Adekunle announced the participants who advanced to the next round which included: Olabisi Enoch, Deborah Moses, Adeyemi Deborah Ifeoluwa, Miracle Oyedokun, Deborah Ameh, and Akintola Marvellous.
Second Round
Asia Giwa and other members of the audience shared their creative pieces before the second round started. The participants’ presentations were based on the keywords: revolution, student union, Great Ife, and students’ union.
Adekunle announced the winners, with Deborah Ifeoluwa as the second runner-up, Deborah Moses as the first runner-up, and Miracle Oyedokun clinching the winning prize.
Closing Remarks
Olagunju Mercy, the 2024 inaugural poet, gave a closing remark. Khadijah Sunmola presented awards to the judges and the prize to the winner. Certificates of participation were also presented to all participants. The event ended by 5:09 p.m.
Participants’ Reactions
In an interview with an InFocus correspondent, Deborah Moses spoke about how she was proud of her achievement. ‘I am looking forward to all that I will become,’ she stated.
The winner, Miracle, stated that she had been chasing the award since 2023. ‘I am just super excited and happy,’ she expressed. She also stated that she hoped to get more people to know about poetry.
An attendee, Comfort, commented that she learned that it is never too late to try. ‘We can still try to be what we want to be in our becoming.’