In a remarkable display of poetic talent and creativity, Yewande Akinse, a Nigerian poet and storyteller, has been announced as the winner of the prestigious World Bank YouthActOnEDU Spoken Word Competition.
The competition, aimed at showcasing the importance of education and quality learning for young people in West and Central Africa, attracted a diverse pool of talented poets. Yewande’s exceptional ability to weave words into powerful narratives set her apart as the deserving winner of this esteemed competition.
Yewande Akinse, born on September 25, 1992, in Lagos, Nigeria, has a rich educational background. She attended St. Mary’s Private School in Ajele, Lagos, Nigeria, for her primary education from 1996 to 2002. She continued her academic journey at Holy Child College in South-West Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, completing her secondary education from 2002 to 2008. Yewande pursued her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, from 2008 to 2013. Following her LL.B, she furthered her legal education at the Nigerian Law School, where she obtained her B.L in 2014 and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Yewande’s quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree at the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2019.
Hailing from a heritage that spans across Ogun State through her father, Taiwo Olayinka Adebowale, and Ondo State through her husband, Yewande Akinse possesses a unique blend of cultural influences that enrich her perspective and creative expression. Her mother, Theresa Ogoghome Ideh (née Adebowale), has undoubtedly been a source of inspiration and support throughout her journey.
Yewande’s poetic journey is marked by a profound commitment to storytelling and exploring diverse themes through her verses. With over 110 published poems to her credit and a distinctive style that combines simplicity with depth, she has established herself as a poet who fearlessly delves into the complexities of life, society, and nature.
The World Bank YouthActOnEDU Spoken Word Competition provided a platform for Yewande to showcase her poetic prowess and advocate for the transformative power of education. Her entry, which captivated the judges with its emotive storytelling and thought-provoking themes, resonated with audiences across the region. Through her poetry, Yewande masterfully addressed issues such as access to education, quality learning, cultural heritage, and the interconnectedness of human existence with the natural world.
Yewande’s winning piece, “As caste chasms crumble,” crafted with precision and passion, embodies the essence of the competition’s theme and underscores the vital role of education in shaping the future of young people in West and Central Africa. Her ability to infuse soul into her craft and make words come alive resonated with both the judges and the audience, earning her the top honor in this prestigious competition.
As the recipient of this esteemed award, Yewande Akinse stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring poets and advocates for education across the region. Her dedication to using the power of poetry to effect positive change and raise awareness on critical issues is a testament to the enduring impact of art and storytelling in society.
The World Bank YouthActOnEDU Spoken Word Competition not only recognizes Yewande’s exceptional talent but also highlights the importance of creative expression in fostering dialogue, promoting education, and driving social change. Yewande’s victory serves as a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the ability of artists to inspire, inform, and engage audiences on a global scale.
Yewande Akinse’s triumph in the World Bank YouthActOnEDU Spoken Word Competition is a celebration of her artistry, passion, and unwavering commitment to using her voice to advocate for education and social impact. Her win reinforces the significance of creativity, storytelling, and education in shaping a brighter future for the youth of West and Central Africa and beyond.
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