Beyond the rhymes and rhythm, the maiden Kwara Campus Poetry Championship finale turned into a powerful advocacy platform where young Nigerian poets confronted gender stereotypes and called for shared responsibility in nation-building.

The grand finale, held on Saturday at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, GRA, Ilorin, was themed: “Gender Relations, Social Responsibility and Shared Nation Building” - a theme participants passionately explored through electrifying spoken word performances.

For hours, the hall echoed with verses that challenged patriarchy, celebrated womanhood, demanded respect for all genders, and urged the youth to take ownership of Nigeria's future.

The Convener, Dr. Mohammed El-Nasir Al-Amin, said the championship was intentionally themed to force conversations that many young people shy away from. According to him, poetry is not just entertainment but a tool for reorientation and social justice.

“We wanted to give young people a safe space to say what they feel about how men and women relate in our society, and how we can all take responsibility for building a nation that works for everyone,” Dr. Al-Amin said.

The event drew commendations from political leaders present.

Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, Member representing Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, and Chairman of the occasion said poetry remains a custodian of culture and a mirror of society. He praised the initiative for using culture to promote national unity and gender inclusiveness.

Shagaya also lauded the Kwara State Government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting the creative sector and providing infrastructure like the Innovation Hub where young talents can thrive.

He urged other states to borrow a leaf from Kwara by investing in literary arts as a strategy for youth development and cultural preservation.

Hon. Lekan Gadaff, who described the performances as electrifying, noted that the quality of poetry showed that young people are not just aware of social issues but are ready to provide solutions if given platforms.

The championship ended with renewed calls for more platforms that allow young people to creatively address social challenges, with participants and guests agreeing that when youths speak through poetry, the nation listens.

It was not just a competition; it was a movement - proving that in Kwara, the pen is truly becoming mightier, and the youth are ready to write a more inclusive Nigeria.