In a landmark achievement for African literature, Nigerian poet and creative writer Ibrahim Nureni has become the first Nigerian and African to be honoured at the prestigious Maya Lyubenova International Haiku Contest.
Nureni secured second place in the English-language category of the 2025 edition of the competition, which drew 643 entries from 40 countries worldwide. His award-winning haiku, “a Gecko’s Silent, Sudden Strike on a Fly,” was praised for its vivid imagery and poetic depth.
The announcement was made public through a statement shared by Nureni on Wednesday, in which he described the experience as “surreal.”
“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 said.
The Maya Lyubenova International Haiku Contest is regarded as one of the world’s most respected haiku competitions, featuring categories in both English and Bulgarian. This year alone, the English-language section received 464 submissions.
Nureni’s recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a broader cultural moment for African literature. He emphasized that the honour reflects the growing global presence of African poetic voices.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about Africa and its poets. I hope my achievement will inspire others from Nigeria and across the continent to pursue poetry. Our voices matter, and the world is listening,” he said.
Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form known for its brevity and emphasis on nature, typically composed of 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern. The contest’s international platform offers poets from diverse backgrounds a stage to showcase their mastery of this minimalist yet profound art form.
Nureni’s historic win marks a new chapter for African creatives on the global literary stage, reinforcing the continent’s role in shaping contemporary poetic expression.
