The PEN Nigeria/Saraba Poetry Prize is awarded yearly to the writer of the winning poem selected from all poems published the preceding year in either Saraba’s magazines or poetry chapbooks. The Prize is organized in collaboration with PEN Nigeria, the Nigerian chapter of the International writers organization, PEN.
The Publishers and Poetry Editor of Saraba usually selects a longlist of 9 poems, from which a guest reader/acclaimed poet will make a shortlist of 3 poems. After this, the shortlist is then announced. The winning poem will be chosen by a named judge and a commemorative award-giving event is organized in December of that year where the winning poem shall be announced.
The winner and shortlisted poets are awarded prize monies as well as medals and certificates (endowed jointly by PEN Nigeria Chapter and Saraba). In the last two years, the prize monies have increased.
The works of the publishers, editors, the prize sponsors, as well as members of their respective families are however not eligible.
The Prize shall be awarded only to Nigerian writers living in Nigeria at the time of publication of the poem. The decisions of the Judge and the prize sponsors are not subject to review and questions as to the propriety of decisions shall not be entertained.
See the yearly pages for more information.
