November unfolded as a month of creativity, connection, and heartfelt impact within the YACSO community. With a wide range of meaningful activities, every effort reflected the foundation’s mission to empower voices and nurture growth.
- YEMIPOET FACEBOOK COMMUNITY — WEEKLY FEATURE INITIATIVE
A new community-growth structure was activated in November:
Each month, at least three standout write-ups from the Yemipoet Facebook Community will be selected and featured across all YACSO Foundation platforms every week.
This initiative was introduced to:
- Celebrate emerging writers
- Encourage consistent creativity
- And build a supportive environment where members’ work receives spotlight and recognition.
- OUTREACH STOP — ANGEL HIGH SCHOOL, AGBADO CROSSING
YACSO extended its creative mission through an engaging session with students at Angel High School, Agbado Crossing.
The team hosted a lively blend of poetry, storytelling, and expressive activities on November 25th, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
The outreach centred on:
- Building confidence
- Fostering emotional strength,
- Encouraging honest self-expression,
- And inspiring students to create positive ripples in their environment.
This experience reflected YACSO’s belief in creativity as a pathway to healing, courage, and personal development.
- STORYTELLING SPOTLIGHT — YEMIPOET PRODUCTION
This month featured a collection of thoughtfully crafted stories:
Human Bridges — Adetutu Oluwapelumi
The Courage Between Shadows and Light — Zainab Kolajo
Fine Exceptions — Aderonke Ayeni
The Weight of Emotions — Zainab Kolajo
Tales of Adulthood — Adetutu Oluwapelumi
November Begins — Noble Alobu
And these were all uploaded on the blog – www.yemipoetproduction.com, expanding the storytelling discussions and giving readers deeper insight into the art and impact of narrative expression.
- Expertly curated by Noble Alobu.
- OPPORTUNITIES ELEVATED FOR CREATIVES
Multiple platforms and contests were highlighted to help writers, poets, and performers grow:
- Write a Letter to Your Future Self — @TheUnsealed
- FPR Poems — Call for Poets Under 1,000 Followers
- TIP Open Mic Night 12 (Nov 26)
- Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) – which held Nov 10 – 16, 2025
- Abuja Lit Society Poetry Slam — Dec 12
- Dove Foundation Poetry Prize 2025 {Themed: Her health, Her education, Her power}
- IMI 2026 Open Call — What Remains, What Rises
- Spoken Word Bootcamp – @poetsspeaklouder1
The Arts and Vibes — Who Are We?
@nacanigeria — World AIDS Day 2025 Video Challenge (₦1,000,000+ prizes)
The Stories From Nigeria Annual Writing Competition 2025
- CHARGE FOR EVERYONE STRUGGLING TO HEAL
A heartfelt but challenging piece that stood out – “Sometimes, the heaviest stories are the ones we hide inside out hearts. But with every word we choose to share, we begin to heal, to grow, and to find our true voice.”
So it’s safe to ask, have you found your true voice?
- POEMS THAT SHONE IN NOVEMBER
A beautiful range of poems were featured from the Facebook Community and some, products of collaboration, each carrying depth and inspiration:
The Power of Words – Whyte Muna
The Independent Individual – Esther Chukwudi
I Will — @nightbirde_06
My Father, My Hero — Esther Ajuma
Only you can say “I can” or “I can’t” – Noble Alobu {#YPC weekly challenge)
Waiting — Michael Bello
The Box Is Mine — Ademola Samuel
Echoes in the Waiting Room — Habsie Gold
Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue — Zyra Deals
Miracle in the Making — Jabsie Gold
The Independent Individual — Esther Chukwudi
The Journey to Victory — Risi Ajani
I Once Was a Child — Vicky Egbo
The Power of Words — Whyte Muna
Breathe, You’ve Won a Lot Already — Temitope ToluwaniKawe Shonde
Amongst many others…
- WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR POETS
It’s no news that most poets lose interest in writing because people don’t appreciate their works or criticize themselves but the foundation took it upon itself to set a reminder that the world needs what only you can give.
“Speak, Write, Shine”
Such profound words.
- INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY MESSAGE
YACSO joined the global celebration with a heartfelt piece titled:
“Dear Men, It’s Okay to Cry.”
A reminder of the importance of emotional openness and healthy vulnerability.
- NOVEMBER CONTEST — “Naija Spirit Must Not Die”
The month closed with a thrilling creative contest that gathered 49 entries.
The contestants were all asked to collaborate with the foundation while posting their entries, which resulted into so many beautiful entries.
Top 12 Finalists (Unordered):
√Dillyoner
√Ai_gram365
√Borokinni
√Obinna Melody
√Blissben
√Jon_Kote
√Iyanoyeisreal
√Josephdpoet
√Dee Ready Writer √Fortune_Onyema √Meritspeaks √Theeeee.abnormal
Top three:
🥇 1st Place — @Josephdpoet
🥈 2nd Place — @Dillyoner
🥉 3rd Place — @Borokinni_ton_soro
Panelists
- Franklin Okonkwo
- Godfrey-Elvis Odianose
- Divinefavour Ndada
Host: Opeyemi Enitan Moses
Judges noted the strength of submissions, and even those who didn’t make the winning list received a timely reminder:
Impact goes beyond rankings.
Takeaway: Don’t chase validation, chase evolution {The Validation Trap}
- COMMUNITY IMPACT & REFLECTIONS
A flyer for donation circulated to support community initiatives — a reminder that a single shared opportunity can change someone’s story forever.
