In commemoration of the World Poetry Day, the Korea -Nigeria Poetry Feast has become an annual ritual, where participants from various parts of the country contest for a grand price at the Korean Cultural Centre in Abuja.
The centre in collaboration with Arojah Concept has continued to organise a poetry competition that gives Nigerian poets an opportunity to bare their minds on selected issues.
This year’s edition which happens to be the 4th saw more than 126 entries compared to 70 poems entries in previous editions.
The winners in the adult category in 2014, Soonest Nathaniel Scholes, Iyeomoan Emmanuel Ehigozie, Echezonachukwu Nduka were the best poets of the year.
While Maryam Ahmad, Maryam Auwal Tijjani, and Aisha Muhammed Umar were winners of the school category.
According to one of the organisers, Mr. Jerry Adesowo, he said each year ten best entries are selected and the writers rewarded with prizes which includes cash and gift items.
Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, Executive Secretary, National Institute for cultural orientation said the competition would foster greater ties between Nigeria and Korea. He urged Nigerian youths to read, as it would boost their intellect.
The aim of the competition according to the organisers is to promote more understanding between Nigeria and Korea on culture, lifestyle, and beliefs through the use of poetry.
Representing the ambassador, Republic of Korea, Jong Hyun-Choi, Mr. Wonwoo Yi, Charge d’Affaires Embassy of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) said the Korean republic has been working with Nigeria for several years and would continue with the progress they have made so far.
‘Culture is taught to the people through classic, painting, music, dance, drama and literature. Poetry contributes to creative diversity. Korean-Nigerian is two countries with a rich oral tradition. The poem featured in this anthology is rich in oral tradition, with the titles From Here to There, an extension of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The anthology From Here to There is the brainchild of Jerry Adesowo of Arojah Concept and Kwon Yong-Ik, Director of Korean cultural centre and co-edited by Vice President of ANA, DenjaAbdullahi.
Former minister of education and special guest at the event, Dr. Jerry Anthony Agada stated that the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Korea has improved and this poetic event would boost greater ties between the two countries.
‘We want to thank the Korean embassy for what they do annually, once you appear in an anthology, you have become published, and we want to thank Korea for that. And it’s a way of cementing the cultural ties between both countries as you do it every year, shows that it would continue to improve in this development and we are hoping that maybe one day one of the poets would be a noble laureate. ‘He explained.
The climax of the event includes the unveiling of the anthology From Here to There, which is the selection of some of the best entries from the three past editions of the poetry feast.
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