Chizaram DivineFavour Tobechi at the Nightengale Literary Awards Ceremony

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Chizaram DivineFavour Tobechi is one of the top three winners at the Nightengale Literary Awards. In this interview, she shares her inspiration, writing experience, and what motivated her story Love in the Time of Chaos.

Chizaram DivineFavour Tobechi

How did you feel when you were announced as one of the top three winners?
I was excited and grateful to God.

What inspired you to write Love in the Time of Chaos?
My current life situation and expectations inspired me. I am loved by many people even in times of chaos, and my feelings about life and the future pushed me to write about love in difficult times.

What message were you trying to pass through your story?
The story is about Zara, who was lonely and had no one to talk to, but later found comfort from an unexpected person named Kelvin. He supported her, and they built a strong bond together until they were loved and admired by many. The story shows the power of love and sustainability.

How long did it take you to write the piece?
It took me a day to properly shape the story in my mind, but it took about 7 hours to write it down as a short novel summary.

What do you enjoy most about writing stories?
I enjoy creating and writing down the scenes I imagine and sharing them with others through my writing.

Who inspired you to become a writer?
I was inspired, encouraged, and supported by many people. However, my friends in primary school also played a big role, as their interest in reading my work motivated me to keep writing.

What was the most interesting part of writing your story?
The most interesting part was imagining and writing down my love life summary in story form.

How did you feel when people started reading your work?
I felt happy and encouraged seeing people read and enjoy my work.

What advice do you have for other young writers who want to compete next season?
I advise young writers to keep writing no matter how their work seems. Every piece matters. They should not only write to win, but also to impact, express, and inspire others.

What are your future goals in writing?
I hope to write novels that make a difference and become an agent of inspiration through my books.

Chizaram’s journey shows creativity, passion, and dedication. Her story encourages young writers to keep writing, express their ideas freely, and use their words to inspire and make a positive impact.

 

From a Small Idea to a Big Win

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Confidence Okonkwo emerged as the overall winner of the Nightengale Literary Awards. In this interview, she shares what inspired her winning poem, her writing journey, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Confidence Okonkwo

How did you feel when you were announced as the overall winner of the Nightengale Literary Awards?
I was completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It felt like a dream come true, and for a moment, I could hardly believe it was real. I am still very happy and thankful for the opportunity.

What inspired you to write your poem Echoes of Longevity?
I wrote Echoes of Longevity during a competition. The idea came suddenly when I saw a student wasting water. That moment made me think deeply about how people treat resources and how small actions can affect the future.

What message do you want readers to learn from your poem?
I want readers to reflect on the importance of sustainability and how we take care of our environment. I also want them to think about the role of technology and how it can both help and affect our lives.

4) How long did it take you to complete the poem?
I wrote the poem during the Nightengale Literary Awards competition within the given time. However, the idea had been in my mind for a long time, which helped me write it quickly and clearly.

What does winning this award mean to you?
This award means so much to me. It shows that my voice is being heard and that my writing has value. It also gives me confidence to keep writing and improving.

Who encouraged you to start writing poetry?
My mum encouraged me to start writing poetry. She has always supported me and believed in my talent. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to take my writing seriously.

Did you expect to win the competition?
I was hopeful, but I did not fully expect to win. There were many talented people, so it came as a very pleasant surprise to me.

How will this award motivate you in your writing journey?
This award has given me more motivation to keep going. It has inspired me to work harder, improve my skills, and continue telling meaningful stories through my writing.

What advice do you have for other young writers?
I would advise young writers to find their voice and stay true to themselves. They should not be afraid to express their thoughts and should always write from the heart. With time and practice, they will get better.

What are your future plans in writing?
I am currently working on a poetry collection and also exploring fiction writing. I hope to grow as a writer and create works that people can connect with and learn from.

Confidence’s story shows passion, creativity, and hard work. Her journey encourages young writers to believe in themselves, stay consistent, and use their words to make a difference.

 

 

From left to right: Francis Okenwa, Confidence Okonkwo

A Young Writer with a Big Dream

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Precious Ezuruike is one of the young voices recognised at the Nightengale Literary Awards. In this interview, she shares her inspiration, writing journey, and what keeps her going as a writer.

Precious Ezuruike

How did you feel when you received the Emerging Voice in Literature Award?
When I received the award, I was very happy and excited. It was a moment I did not expect, and it meant a lot to me.

What inspired you to start writing?
My inspiration came from my aunt, who shared her story of how she almost did not marry my uncle because of a religious crisis. Her story stayed with me and encouraged me to start writing.

How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was in JSS1. That was when I began having ideas and experiences that pushed me into writing, and I also got closer to my aunt during that time.

What type of stories or poems do you enjoy writing?
I love writing romance stories because they allow me to express emotions and relationships in a meaningful way.

Who supports you in your writing journey?
I have received great support from many people, but most especially my dad. He always gives me advice and often speaks in parables, which I usually understand.

What did you enjoy most about the competition?
What I enjoyed most was seeing many young people come out to perform. It made me realise that I am not the only one with the passion to take part in such competitions.

What was the most difficult part of writing your piece?
The most difficult part was deciding on the religious aspect of my story because I was not very familiar with how different churches operate.

What does this award mean to you?
The award means a lot to me, and it is a great encouragement. It motivates me to keep improving in my writing.

What advice would you give to other young writers?
I encourage young writers to keep pushing and never be discouraged. With time and effort, they will get better.

What are your goals as a writer?
My goal is to make sure my stories reach around the world and make a positive impact. I also want to grow and become a better writer.

Precious’s journey shows determination and passion for writing. Her story encourages young writers to keep going, believe in themselves, and use their words to make a positive impact.

 

Meet Literature’s Next Big Voice

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Ahunwa Maryfavour is a young writer recognised at the Nightengale Literary Awards. In this interview, she shares her journey, inspiration, and the lessons she has learned through writing and competition.

 How did you feel when you received the Emerging Voice in Literature Award?
I felt so happy that I couldn’t fully express my joy because I never expected it.

Why did you decide to join the Nightengale Literary Awards competition?
I joined to improve my competition skills and to learn how to express my imagination better through writing, and it truly helped me.

When did you start writing?
I started writing at the age of 10, with the help of my teacher in my amateur stage.

What kind of writing do you enjoy most?
I enjoy creative writing the most, especially storytelling. There is something powerful about building characters, shaping their emotions, and creating worlds that feel real to the reader. I like writing stories that carry meaning, whether about love, growth, challenges, or everyday life, because they allow me to connect with people on a deeper level.

I also enjoy descriptive writing, where I can paint clear pictures with words and make readers feel like they are inside the scene. But overall, creative writing stands out for me because it gives me the freedom to express my imagination and ideas.

Who encourages you in your writing?
My aunt, Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, has been a strong pillar of support and my anchor from the very first day I started writing until now.

What did you learn from this competition?
I learned that imagination is the foundation of literature because it improves the mind and way of thinking. I also learned how to express my thoughts in written form, like prose or drama, and it improved my writing speed.

What challenges do you face when writing?
My main challenge is self-doubt. Sometimes I ask myself, ‘Is this right?’ or ‘Will people like it when they read it?’ That is my biggest challenge.

What message do you like to share through your writing?
I like to share messages about growth and self-belief. I encourage others to believe in their dreams and nurture them into something beautiful, because it might be the light someone else is waiting for.

What advice do you have for other young writers?
My advice is to keep dreaming, imagining, and believing in your dreams. If you don’t believe in them, no one else will. And always remember, you must defeat the bees before accessing the honey.

What are your future plans in writing?
My future plan is to grow, learn, help others, and impact knowledge through my writing skills.

Ahunwa’s story shows her passion, hard work, and belief in herself. It reminds young writers that with effort and imagination, they can grow, inspire others, and make a difference with their words.

A Young Writer’s Journey: Precious-Gold Orieukwu Shares Her Story

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Precious-Gold Orieukwu is one of the outstanding young voices recognised at the Nightengale Literary Awards. In this interview, she shares her inspiration, writing journey, and the story behind her prose piece Dark Wakefulness.

Precious-Gold Orieukwu

How did you feel when you heard that you came second in the competition?
I was excited and thankful.

What inspired your prose piece Dark Wakefulness?
My elder sister was my inspiration. She always complained about being the first child and would often wish she had senior siblings. So, I decided to create this story because I wanted to bring my sister’s world to life.

Can you briefly tell us what your story is about?
The story is about a girl named Amarachi, who was the first child of her supposed parents. She was asthmatic and often regretted being the first child. Her parents never had time for her, and she was made to do all the housework. Her father was a doctor, while her mother was a child psychologist.

Later, they became politicians, and that was when Amarachi discovered that they were not her real parents. She began searching for her biological parents and eventually found out that her supposed parents were kidnappers who sold children. She exposed them, reunited with her real family, and discovered that she was not the first child after all. In the end, she found a loving home, and her fake parents were made to pay for their crimes.

What part of writing the story was the most challenging for you?
The part where her parents became politicians was very challenging because I do not know any politician personally, so it was difficult to understand and portray how they live their lives.

When did you discover your love for writing?
When I was in primary school, I wrote many unfinished novels. I believe that was when my love for writing began.

Who supports you the most in your writing journey?
Many people have supported me in my writing journey, but my main supporter is my elder sister. She always encouraged me to keep writing and said the sky was my starting point. The novel was written in appreciation of all she did as the firstborn.

How did you prepare for the Nightengale Literary Awards competition?
I prepared very hard. Sometimes, I would observe things around me and then write them down.

What does this recognition mean to you?
This recognition means a lot to me, and it will always be remembered.

What advice would you give to other young writers?
I would advise them to keep writing, no matter how their work may seem, because one day they will become great. Their voices matter a lot to the world.

What type of stories do you hope to write in the future?
I am currently working on a very detailed novel that I hope will be recognised internationally. I aspire to write a popular novel like those of Chimamanda.

Precious-Gold’s story reflects passion, growth, and determination. Her journey shows that with consistency and belief, young writers can find their voice and make meaningful impact through their words.

 

Nightengale Literary Awards Hosts 2026 Ceremony, Rewards Young Writers

Nightengale Literary Awards Hosts 2026 Ceremony, Rewards Young Writers 

Mbaitoli, Imo State – February 28, 2026

The Nightengale Literary Awards Ceremony 2026 was held on February 28 at Chapel of Peace Hall, Mbaitoli Council, Imo State, bringing together young writers, educators and supporters of literature to celebrate outstanding talents from the Season One competition conducted on November 22, 2025.

At the ceremony, Confidence Okonkwo emerged as the overall winner of the competition for her poem titled Echoes of Longevity. She received a cash prize of ₦30,000, an award plaque, and a copy of the book she used for the competition. Her work was commended for its depth, creativity and strong literary expression.

The second position was awarded to Precious-Gold Orieukwu for her prose piece Dark Wakefulness. She received ₦20,000 in recognition of her originality and compelling narrative voice.

Chizaram DivineFavour Tobechi secured the third position for her prose titled Love in the Time of Chaos. She was presented with ₦10,000 and an award plaque in recognition of her emerging excellence in creative writing.

In addition to the top three winners, three participants were honoured with the Emerging Voice in Literature Award for their creativity, passion and consistent commitment to writing during the competition. The recipients were Ahunwa Maryfavour, Ezuruike Precious Chimemezuwo, and Francis Chimamkpam Okenwa. The award recognised their dedication and growing literary journeys.

Two distinguished individuals who were not participants in the competition were also recognised during the event. Dogged Comrade Nwadike A.W. Orient received the Good Ambassador for Education and Youth Award for his support of education and youth development initiatives. Rev. Sr. Alice Nwadugwu Orji (DHS) was presented with the Excellence in Literature Education Award in recognition of her contributions to teaching literature and nurturing young minds.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Founder of the Nightengale Literary Awards, Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, encouraged young writers to remain persistent in pursuing their dreams. She noted that every big dream starts small but grows with courage and persistence, urging participants to keep building and pushing forward.

The ceremony concluded on a hopeful note, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to promoting literary excellence and empowering emerging voices in Nigeria’s literary community.

 

 

What would I do if I had forty-five minutes?

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

If I had forty-five minutes, I wouldn’t waste a single second thinking about what to do. I would already know. I’d slip into a dress that hugs me just right, soft and flowing, the kind that makes my skin glow, with a touch of elegance and a little playful charm to make you look twice. My hair would fall in loose, soft waves around my shoulders, framing my face, my lips painted in a shade that whispers ‘kiss me’. I’d smile, because loving you always makes my heart race in a way I can’t explain.

I’d stop at that little flower shop on the corner, the one that smells of fresh roses and chocolate, and pick the roses myself, soft pinks, deep reds, paired with rich, dark chocolates, the kind that say ‘I love you’ without words.

Then I’d catch the bus.

I’d sit by the window, holding the roses and chocolates close, watching the city slip past like it knows I am running to you. Every stop would feel like a little heartbeat, pulling me closer. I’d think about your smile, the way your eyes light up when you see me, how just being near you makes me feel alive, safe, and completely yours. I’d picture you looking so handsome, your shirt fitting just right, your smile able to stop the world, eyes sparkling at me, and I’d want nothing more than to be irresistible to you too.

When I saw you, I wouldn’t rush. Forty-five minutes isn’t long, but love stretches time when it’s real. We’d walk together, hand in hand, maybe to the beach or a quiet spot where the world disappears. We’d sit close, letting the waves whisper around us as the sun melts into the sea, painting the sky gold and pink.

We’d talk about little things, the clouds drifting by, the old man on the street with his dog, little memories only we understand. Sometimes we wouldn’t need words. A look, a brush of your fingers against mine, a soft smile, everything would be said without speaking.

I’d move closer, feeling your warmth, my hand tracing your jaw, my lips brushing yours gently. Our kiss would start soft and slow, then deepen, letting the world disappear. I’d rest my head against your chest, listening to your heartbeat, feeling safe, desired, and loved all at once.

We’d kiss again, softly, deeply, laughing between kisses, holding each other close, whispering little secrets, letting every second of those forty-five minutes feel endless.

If I had forty-five minutes, I’d give every single one to you, holding you, kissing you, letting our love spill over, making memories that linger long after the moment is gone. When it ended, love would still be there, in the roses, in the chocolates, in the sunset, in the softness of your lips, in the strength of your arms.

Because forty-five minutes with you would be more than enough to feel infinite, utterly, deliciously, irresistibly alive.

With all my love,
Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Happy Valentine