The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter) has announced a global call for entries for the 10th edition of the Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe—the father of modern African literature.

The annual anthology, unveiled during the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, gathers poems and essays that honor Achebe’s life, works, and literary contributions. This year’s milestone edition will be launched in November 2025 at the Anambra State Central E-Library (Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library), Awka, marking 10 years of the festival and anthology project.

The event, initiated in 2016, holds yearly on Achebe’s birthday, November 16, and attracts writers from across the globe. The 9th edition, “Echoes from the Anthills,” was unveiled in 2024.

“The anthology is in honour of Prof. Chinua Achebe; therefore, only entries that relate to Achebe, his works, his literary prowess and legacies will be accepted,” says Izunna Okafor, Editor-in-Chief and Project Coordinator.

Read more about Achebe’s lasting legacy and recent honors.

Submission Guidelines for the Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology 

• Accepted genres: Poetry and Essays/Reviews.
• Entries must relate to Achebe—his personality, works, literary feats, life, or legacy.
• Maximum 500 words for essays; 20 lines for poems.
• Include author information (location, contact, email, and a short bio not exceeding 40 words).
• Submission is free and open globally.
• Entries must be original. Plagiarized works will be disqualified.
• Only one entry per person.
• Submit entries in the body of the email (not as attachments).
• Entries may be written in English or Igbo.
• Email entries to achebeanthology@gmail.com and copy synwanambrachapter@gmail.com.
• Email subject:
  10TH CHINUA ACHEBE ESSAY/POETRY ANTHOLOGY (SPECIFY GENRE)
  Example: 10TH CHINUA ACHEBE ESSAY/POETRY ANTHOLOGY (POETRY)
• Deadline: 24th October 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Benefits of Submitting to the Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology 

• Accepted works will appear in the 10th Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology (soft & hard copies).
• Media promotion for published works and authors.
• Certificate of Participation for all published writers.
• Free author copies for all contributors.
• Outstanding Recognition & Certificate of Award for the best ten poems and essays.
• Accepted young Nigerian entrants receive automatic membership in the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

---

For inquiries or support:
achebeanthology@gmail.com | synwanambrachapter@gmail.com
+2348163938812 | +2348028029868

Editor-in-Chief: Izunna Okafor
Coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter)