What Now, Gimba?
It is with great pleasure that I write this week’s column, following the successful conclusion of the Gimba Suleiman Hassan Esq Poetry Prize award ceremony and open mic. The 11th of February 2023 marked an amazing and fulfilled end to what has been a rollercoaster celebration of my 28th birthday. I am filled with nothing but gratitude for this very rare opportunity to support and promote something that I love – poetry. For several years now, I have been a passionate advocate for the arts, and it is with great joy that I reflect on the history of the Gimba Suleiman Hassan Esq Poetry Prize.
The event was held at the Moot Court, Faculty of Law, Yobe State University, and it was an incredible celebration of poetry and creativity. Yobe State, located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, has a rich tradition of poetry dating back centuries and has been chosen to be the home of the Prize despite its nationwide reach. Poetry has been used as a means of expressing cultural values, praising leaders, and documenting historical events. Over the years, Yobe has embraced poetry in a way that points to a bright future for the arts.
We also hope the Prize will help to foster connections between the Yobe artistic community and other parts of the country. By bringing in renowned poets from other parts of Nigeria as judges and speakers, the prize is helping to build bridges and create opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.
The Prize was founded late last year, to celebrate and promote the art of poetry in Nigeria. The prize was named after me as I aim to continue dedicating my life to serving my community and promoting the arts.
Despite this being the first ever, we received a total of 216 entries from poets across the country, and it was an incredible experience to read and celebrate the diverse range of voices and perspectives that were represented. The event was a great success, and we were able to recognize the talent and dedication of several poets, who received cash prizes, a copy of my debut poetry collection “The Howls on the Highway to Hell” and certificates for their exceptional work.
I am filled with gratitude for all those who were able to join us for the event, which included a range of programs that were designed to inspire, engage, and celebrate the arts, and it was an honour to be able to share this experience with so many talented poets and supporters.
The event kicked off with a presentation by my brother Zakariya Ibrahim Yusuf on the importance of writing and its connection with our history and way of life. This was followed by a dialogue with me on the motivation behind the Gimba Suleiman Hassan Esq Poetry Prize, during which I had the opportunity to answer questions from the audience and share my vision for the future of the event. It was an engaging and inspiring conversation, and I was thrilled to see how much passion and dedication our local community has for the arts. It was anchored by Hamzayyad.
The highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the impact of joining clubs and associations on students, which was led by members of the Press Club of Yobe State University. It was thrilling to watch students explore the many ways in which joining clubs and associations can enhance students’ academic and personal growth, and also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from participating in these types of activities. It was an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, and it was clear that all those in attendance were inspired and empowered by the insights shared by the panellists.
After the panel discussion, we had an open mic, which provided an opportunity for poets and performers of all levels to share their work with the audience. The open mic was an incredible showcase of the diversity and talent of our local poetry community, and it was clear that all those in attendance were moved and inspired by the incredible performances.
We then had the presentation of awards and certificates to the winners, judges, and supporters, which was a joyous and celebratory moment for all those involved. It was an incredible opportunity to recognize and celebrate the talent and dedication of our local poets, and I am deeply grateful to all those who were able to contribute to this year’s event.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who made this event possible. First and foremost, I would like to thank my dad, Dr Hassan Gimba and my family for their unwavering support and encouragement, which has helped me to pursue my passion for poetry and to organize this Prize.
I would also like to express my appreciation to the Yobe Literary Society Poetic Wednesdays Initiative for their support and participation in this event. Your passion for poetry and dedication to the craft is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this celebration with you all.
A special thank you goes to Bashir Ahmad, whose generosity and support doubled the prize money for this year’s winners. Your commitment to the arts is a true testament to the power of poetry in our lives and communities.
I would also like to thank His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni who through the Yobe State Scholarship Board and its inspiring Executive Secretary, Dr Kagu Abubakar for supporting Yobe indigenes who made it to the long list. The sole indigene of the state who made the list walked away with a new laptop and a N50,000 cash prize. This will definitely motivate other Yobeans to participate in Prizes such as this, I hope that other state governments will find ways to inspire their indigenes to embrace the arts. The Student Union Government and Press Club of Yobe State University assisted us greatly in organizing the award ceremony despite the short notice – I will readily tap from their pool of talented and passionate students anytime I get the chance.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this process, especially Salim Yunusa; Karofi Usman; Sa’id Sa’ad Abubakar; Ahmed Lawan Ahmed; Abbas Sanusi Ba’aba, Umar Hussaini Ahmad, Yahuza Rabi’u Garba and Salma Hassan Bizi. Your presence and support were instrumental in making this event a success, and I am truly grateful. The Prize was a celebration of creativity, talent, and passion, and I am honoured to have been a part of it. I look forward to continuing to support and promote the arts in Nigeria, and I hope that this event serves as an inspiration to all those who share a love for poetry.
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