In a remarkable literary achievement, Nigerian poet and creative writer Ibrahim Nureni has become the first Nigerian and African to receive an award at the prestigious Maya Lyubenova International Haiku Contest.
Nureni clinched second place in the English-language category of the 2025 edition of the contest, which received a total of 643 entries from poets representing 40 countries. His poem, titled “a Gecko’s Silent, Sudden Strike on a Fly,” was selected from 464 English submissions for its striking imagery and emotional depth.
In a statement shared with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, Nureni expressed joy and gratitude for the recognition.
“It feels surreal,” he said. “I’ve been writing poetry for over five years, and haiku has always been my calling. The simplicity of haiku, yet its profound depth, is something I’ve always found fascinating. To see my work resonate with a global audience in this way is beyond anything I imagined.”
The Maya Lyubenova International Haiku Contest is known globally for celebrating poetic excellence in haiku—a traditional Japanese poetic form characterized by brevity and nature-inspired themes. It features both English and Bulgarian categories.
Nureni emphasized that his win goes beyond personal recognition, noting it represents a breakthrough for African literature on the world stage.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about Africa and its poets,” he said. “I hope my achievement will inspire others from Nigeria and across the continent to pursue poetry. Our voices matter, and the world is listening.”
The poet’s recognition marks a milestone for African writers in global literary spaces and highlights the growing international appreciation for African poetic traditions.
