The 2022 Literary Arts festival held on the 20^th of December, 2022 at Roar Hub hall, University of Nigeria Nsukka. We were pleased to have in attendance, Mr Darlington Chibueze Anuonye whose guest-lecture opened our minds to a new and promising generation of writers, fondly called the Facebook writers. His lecture titled, Facebook Writers: The Emergence of a New Generation of Nigerian Poets brought to the limelight several intriguing poets whose works are so spiked with outstanding literary value. This generation of writers tell down from the likes of Romeo Oriogun, Jaachi Anyatonwu, Samuel Adeyemi, Ogechukwu Kanma Samuel, to mention but a few, who aptly utilized the Facebook platform for the publication of their poems. Mr Anuonye highlighted the fluidity of the platform, being an open network for several poets to be heard, seen and appreciated.

The Muse no. 49 journal was unveiled and launched at the ceremony. Amongst other things, the physical and textual quality of the journal was commented upon by several attendees. The Muse no. 49 journal captures a plethora of literary voices, namely: Adedayo Agarau, Samuel Adeyemi, Jide Badmus, Pamilerin Jacobs, Sodiq Oyekanmi, Adaeze Nwadike amongst others.

The journal equally features an interview with the notable Ukamaka Olisakwe who is the founder of Isele magazine and the author of Ogadimma which won the SpringNg women’s prize for fiction 2020. In the interview, Olisakwe remarks: “Do what speaks to you” as she shares her thoughts on her works and writing in general.

Individuals who stood out as winners of literary prizes are here listed below:

The Emeka Anuforo prize for Best Literary Artiste of the year was awarded to Njoku Nonso.

The Eriata Oribhabor prize for Pidgin poetry was awarded to Vivian Etonyeaku (Winner), for her pidgin poem, “E Fit Be God”; Esuemede Cynthia Elohor (1^st Runner up) for her poem “Maale”; and Kelechukwu Samuel Ojile (2^nd runner up) for his poem “Enta Maket”

The Wilson Okereke prize for the Short Story category was awarded to Obianuju Chisom Bartholomew (winner) for her Conundrum; Ifunanya Madufor (1^st runner up) for her Ojuju’s Fall; and Enema Oluchi (2^nd  runner up) for her Allure.

The Leonard Ugwuanyi prize for the Flash Fiction category was awarded to Mhembeuter Jeremiah Orhemba (winner) for his piece, Starting Fire; Ekpeyong Kosisochukwu Collins (1^st runner up) for his piece, You; and Chukwudalu Abugu (2^nd Runner up) for her Mother Finds You Somehow.

The Fidelis Okoro prize for Poetry sponsored by Friday Romanus was awarded to Njoku Nonso (Winner) for his poem, “A Beginner’s Guide to Washing Bloodstained Hands”; Ugwuosor Osinachi (2^nd runner up) and Akpa-esu Promise Michael (Third runner up).

All winning works would be made available on the site in due course.

Our sincerest gratitude goes to all our contributors whose mind-blowing works have graced the pages of The Muse no. 49 journal. It is indeed a privilege to host the many beautiful pieces in this year’s edition of The Muse journal. We equally appreciate all those who launched The Muse no. 49 journal with us in the course of the 2022 Literary Arts festival.

The Muse no. 49 board: Ozichukwu Ifesie (Editor), Sharon Okey-Onyema (Assistant Editor), Onyekachi Obayi (Critical Writing Editor), Iheoma Uzomba (Poetry Editor I), Orjichukwu Golding (Poetry Editor II), Miracle Edoziem (Prose Editor I), Paula Wille-Okafor (Prose Editor II), Nnedinma Mbaeze (Drama Editor), Favour Sia Gborie (Publicity Secretary), Merit Nwachukwu (Blog editor/ Social Media Manager), Chinenye Okoye (Secretary).