A Nigerian creative writer and poet, Ibrahim Nureni, has emerged as the first African to be honored at the prestigious Maya International Haiku Contest.
Nureni’s poem, “a Gecko’s Silent, Sudden Strike on a Fly,” secured second place in the English-language category of the 2025 edition, beating out 643 entries from poets across 40 countries.
The contest, which drew 464 submissions in English, recognized Nureni’s work for its vivid imagery and depth. Nureni described the moment as “surreal,” reflecting on his five-year dedication to poetry.
He expressed hope that his achievement would inspire others across the continent to pursue poetry, highlighting the growing global presence of African literature.
“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,” Nureni told PUNCH on Wednesday.
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