The Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation (HCAF) undertook a courtesy visit to the office of Ms Aisha Wakaso, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Niger State on Print Media, and sponsor, Wakaso Women Poetry Prize at the Niger State Government House in celebration of her fiftieth birthday, which occurred the previous week. The visit also included the formal presentation of fifty copies of When Women Speak, an anthology of winning poems from the Wakaso Poetry Prize, which has been running for over four years. This visit was not only a symbolic gesture of goodwill and appreciation but also an opportunity to acknowledge and commend the outstanding contributions of Ms Aisha Wakaso to literature and the broader development of young female writers in Nigeria.
The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Pastor Abel Onafurunme, who serves as the Director of Media at the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation. His prayer invoked gratitude and a spirit of continued growth and collaboration. Following the prayer, the Founder of the HCAF, BM Dzukogi, delivered the opening remarks. He warmly acknowledged the immense contributions of Ms Aisha Wakaso to the literary landscape of Nigeria and humanity at large. He noted that her consistent support, through platforms such as the Wakaso Poetry Prize, has impacted countless young writers, particularly girls, across the country. As part of the visit, fifty copies of the anthology When Women Speak, which she sponsored, were formally presented to Ms Aisha Wakaso. This anthology represents a curated collection of work from the Wakaso Poetry Prize, a literary award initiative that she has supported passionately for over four years.
In her response, Ms Aisha Wakaso expressed her deep appreciation for the visit and the recognition. She recounted that as a young girl, her love for reading became the distinguishing factor in her life and shaped her journey. She emphasised the importance of access to books and creative platforms for girls and young women, describing literature as a lifelong companion and transformative force. She said she plans to make a public presentation of the anthology, in September 2025, to mark the Remembrance Anniversary of her late father, who the prize is named after.
Ms Wakaso futher announced that the Wakaso Women Poetry Prize will now be an annual prize, details of which will be announced in due course by the HCAF.
The Founder, in his response, futher expressed his gratitude for what he described as a timeless and strategic collaboration between the HCAF and Ms Wakaso. He highlighted how her vision and generosity have created a lasting platform for the nurturing of female voices in poetry.
Further remarks were made by the Administrative Secretary of the Foundation, Ibraheem Uthman, who commended Ms Wakaso for her enduring commitment to the empowerment of the girl child through literature. He noted that the Wakaso Poetry Prize has made a significant contribution to shaping the lives of young girls, not only as poets but also as thoughtful and articulate individuals. He underscored the power of literary expression in fostering self-esteem and intellectual development.
Mr Makama Shekwoaga, the Head ofAdministration at the HCAF and National Coordinator, HIASFEST, also delivered a brief remark. He lauded Ms Wakaso’s consistent support for the literary arts and her pivotal role in inspiring emerging writers. He reaffirmed the shared mission between HIASFEST and the Foundation in building a vibrant culture of creative expression among Nigerian youth. The event concluded with a closing prayer, which marked the end of a meaningful and heartfelt engagement.
The courtesy visit to Ms Aisha Wakaso by the Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation was a significant occasion of celebration, reflection, and reaffirmation of shared values. The presentation of When Women Speak and the warm exchange of tributes underscored the importance of sustained investment in literary culture, particularly for young women. The Foundation remains deeply grateful for Ms Wakaso’s partnership and looks forward to many more years of productive collaboration.
Prepared by:
Ibraheem Uthman
Administrative Secretary
Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation
