The Big's Odyssey Poetry Competition is an annual event that provides a platform for young poets to showcase their talents, express themselves, and connect with a larger audience through the power of poetry. The competition has always been about more than just winning; it is about fostering a love for language, creativity, and personal expression. Over the years, this event has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious platforms for young poets to sharpen their skills, gain exposure, and receive mentorship.
The 2024 Big's Odyssey Poetry Competition (BOPOC) recently came to a triumphant close, marking yet another successful celebration of creativity, talent, and literary excellence. This year's event, which brought together poets from various schools and communities, was truly a remarkable display of the power of words and imagination. With over a hundred entries, the event was highly competitive, with poets submitting works that focused on the theme ‘An Ode to those who have gone before us’. The diversity of voices and perspectives showcased the ability of poetry to capture the human experience in all its complexity.
As the curtains were drawn, the competition not only crowned the "Poet of the Year" for different categories but also recognized several outstanding poets. In the usual way, the winning coaches were also awarded during the ‘Teacher and Loving it ‘ Conference.
Emerging as Poets of the year for various categories are:
Udoka Nwaeze
Poet of the Year, Primary Category.
Teko School, Port Harcourt
Coach: Ogunsakin Cecilia.
Onyejekwe Patience
Poet of the Year, Junior Secondary Category
Top choice High Grade Academy, Port Harcourt.
Coach: Obioma Patience
Justin Ita Effiong
Poet of the Year, Senior Secondary Category
Albesta Academy, Lekki
Coach: Kehinde Oyebode.
The winning poems were both thought-provoking and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on the judges and audience alike.
Special Mention: Consolation Prizes.
In addition to the major categories, the Competition also awarded a range of consolation prizes, ensuring that a wide array of poetic talents were recognized. These included:
Ibitoye Temidire
Best Structured Poem
Great Prints International School, Owo, Ondo State
Coach: Olubanji Emmanuel Akolade
Adebiyi Tolulope Praise
Most Patriotic Poem
Federal Government Girls' College, Akure, Ondo State.
Coach: Wisdom Tope
Adebiyi Ojum Olivia
Most Emotive Poem
Montessori Lighthouse International School
Coach: Mr Chinemerem Vitalis Iloanwusi
Adedapo Blessing
Most Emotive Poem
Community Senior Secondary School, Bayeku, Ikorodu, Lagos State
Coach: Oyewole Oluseyi
Kimberly Major
Strength in Simplicity
Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt
Coach: Gift Major
Albert Winner
Relevance to Theme
Deeper Life High School, Owerri Campus.
Coach: Nwachukwu Akachi Favor
Isioma Osagie
Relevance to Theme
Community Secondary School, Bayeku
Coach: Oyewole Oluseyi
As the BOPOC 24 comes to a close, we look ahead to the future with excitement and anticipation. This year’s competition was a resounding success, but we know that there are even greater heights to reach. The competition will continue to evolve, providing even more opportunities for poets to shine, and for communities to come together to celebrate the art of poetry. In the coming years, we hope to expand the reach of the competition, inviting even more participants from across the country and beyond. We also aim to create more mentorship opportunities, ensuring that every young poet who participates has access to the resources and support they need to grow their craft.
No competition would be possible without the dedication and passion of its participants, and this year, we were fortunate to have an extraordinary group of young poets from various schools and communities. Each participant brought something special to the competition, whether through their words, their delivery, or the way they interpreted the world around them.
We want to take this moment to extend our deepest appreciation to every poet who took part in this year’s Competition. Your talent and creativity have made this event a success. To the schools and institutions that supported these poets and encouraged them to participate, we thank you for fostering an environment where creativity can thrive.