Nduka Otiono, an Associate Professor at Carleton University, Canada has been nominated for the Archibald Lampman Award for poetry for his new collection of poems titled “DisPlace: The Poetry of Nduka Otiono”.
Clariform reports that the Archibald Lampman Award is an annual Canadian literary prize awarded to the year’s most outstanding collection of poetry by a writer living in the National Capital Region.
Nduka Otiono took to his Facebook page on Tuesday to announce his nomination. He expressed excitement on his latest feat.
Otiono who gave more information about the award said:
“The announcement of the Archibald Lampman Award winner will take place at the Ottawa Book Awards ceremony. The event will take place in person on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, at Les Lye Studio at the Meridian Theatre, starting at 7 PM EST.”
He also congratulated other nominated poets and appreciated his colleagues, for their contributions to the success of his book.
In his words:
“Congratulations to the other shortlisted great poets, and thanks to my family, friends, associates -especially Chris Dunton and Peter Midgley- and my publisher, Wilfrid Laurier University Press.”
According to the award jury:
“Otiono’s edited collection of poetry reflects consummate diasporic writing, as at ease in Lagos as in Edmonton. Crafty and aware, these poems give us Otiono’s take on history, global petroleum, national politics, but also spend valuable time musing on tradition, literature, and love.”
“Beyond the poems themselves—which churn with linguistic play, rhythmic force, and searing insight—this volume includes helpful commentary and a thoroughly illuminating interview between Otiono and Chris Dunton. Wonderful poetry from a poet who is already internationally important.”
Nduka Otiono, who hails from Delta State, has worked in multiple positions and received several awards in Nigeria before relocating to Canada in 2006.
Before his relocation, Otiono worked as a journalist for 15 years. He was the National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (2001-2005), two-time winner of the Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship, and has held other scholarly positions.
He was appointed as the Director of the Institute of African Studies at the Carleton University in July.
Otiono emerged as the Vice President of the Canadian Association of African Studies in 2021.
