| NENGI ILAGHA NENGI
JOSEF ILAGHA, fondly called Pope Pen The First, has worked as a
journalist, broadcaster and public relations foot soldier. Born on
December 18, 1963, in Nembe, Bayelsa State, he read English &
Literary Studies at the University of Port Harcourt. A one-time
Editor of The Tide On Sunday in Port Harcourt, he was Speech Writer
and Special Adviser on Research & Documentation to the Governor of
Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Mantids, his first collection of poems, won the Association
of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Poetry Prize in 1995. His poems have
appeared in newspapers, journals and anthologies within and outside
the country, including The Guardian, The Post Express, Voices
From The Fringe, For Ken For Nigeria, Junge Nigerianische
Lyrick, 25 New Nigerian Poets and Camouflage: Best of
Contemporary Nigerian Writing. He is currently running a monthly
diary of poems on Facebook.
Pope Pen is the Founding Chair of ANA, Bayelsa chapter. His other
books on the Treasure label include Apples & Serpents, his
second offering of poems, I Want To Be A Senator, a
collection of essays, and Royal Mail, a twelve-part epistle
to Queen Elizabeth on Nigeria’s golden jubilee anniversary. January Gestures, the first of twelve books of poetry under
construction, was among the nine contenders for the controversial
2009 NLNG-Nigeria Prize for Literature. Top of page | |
| SENTINEL LITERARY QUARTERLY POETRY & SHORT STORY COMPETITIONS International writing competitions every 3 months. Prizes:
£150 (1st), £75 (2nd), £50 (3rd), 3 x £10 High Commendation Prizes. For
further information about judges, conditions and online or postal
entries visit www.sentinelpoetry.org.uk/competitions or
www.sentinelquarterly.com/competitions |
