Ugota, an indigene of Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was recognised for her poem titled A Trophy, which draws inspiration from her birth and the experiences of her mother during childbirth.
The competition, organised by the Sejong Cultural Society, celebrates the traditional Korean poetic form known as Sijo and attracts writers from different countries and backgrounds.
According to the competition’s official results, Ugota was among the poets selected for Honourable Mention in the 2026 edition, alongside writers from the United States and Ghana.
The recognition places the Ebonyi-born student among the internationally recognised contributors in this year’s competition, which recorded its highest number of entries, with submissions received from 80 countries.
Medical Student Discovers Poetry Through University Literary Club
Ugota is currently studying Medicine and Surgery at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki. She is also a member of the university’s Literary and Debating Club, through which she discovered the Korean poetic form.
In her profile published by the organisers, she credited her instructor, Dr Nwefuru God’stime Chiadikaobi, for motivating and encouraging her to participate in the competition.
She explained that the experience introduced her to the power of expressing profound emotions and experiences through carefully selected words.
Ugota described herself as an emerging poet and creative writer with a passion for using literature to communicate feelings, perspectives and deeper reflections on life and humanity.
She also expressed her belief that poetry could influence and inspire young people, particularly by encouraging them to think critically and engage with issues affecting society.
Poem Draws Inspiration From Mother’s Childbirth Experience
Her recognised entry, A Trophy, reflects on the circumstances surrounding her birth and her mother’s experience.
The poem portrays the mother’s physical and emotional struggle during childbirth, highlighting her determination and endurance before finally welcoming her daughter.
Through its imagery, the work presents childbirth as an experience marked by pain, courage, sacrifice and ultimately the joy of new life.
The poem’s central theme is particularly personal, as Ugota explained that it was inspired by her own birth story and her mother’s account of the experience.
The Sejong Cultural Society’s published results listed the work among the Honourable Mention entries for the 2026 competition.
Bridging Medicine and Creative Writing
Beyond her achievement in poetry, Ugota has expressed an interest in combining her medical education with creative expression.
She disclosed that her first published poem was titled Voices Behind the White Coats, reflecting her interest in exploring the human experiences and realities associated with medicine.
She hopes to continue developing her writing while pursuing her medical career, with the ambition of contributing to society through both healthcare and literature.
Sijo is a traditional Korean poetic form generally written in three lines, each carrying a carefully structured rhythm and thematic progression. It provides writers with an opportunity to explore complex human experiences through concise and expressive poetry.
Ugota’s achievement represents an international literary milestone for the young Nigerian writer and offers recognition to the creative potential emerging from Ebonyi State University.
The competition results, her biography, the poem’s title and inspiration, and the record 917 entries from 80 countries are confirmed by the Sejong Cultural Society.
