From Small Beginnings to Global Stage: The Inspiring Story of Maryhilda Ibe – Maryhilda Ibe’s journey is one of humble beginnings, big dreams, and a passion for poetry that has now taken her to global recognition.
She grew up in Cross River State, in the everyday hustle of Nigerian life. For many, it was simply poverty, but for Maryhilda, it was the foundation that shaped her story. From the crowded bathroom lines to the voices of neighbours — vulcanisers, pork sellers, and wood carvers — she found rhythm and inspiration in ordinary life.
From Grass to Grace
Maryhilda did not start out with much. At one point, she earned just ₦25,000 a month teaching in Nigeria. To support herself, she freelanced and tutored while building her passion for poetry.
In 2023, she moved to the United States to further her studies. But even far from home, she carried with her the voices of Nigeria, choosing to write about the ordinary people and quiet moments that make up our national identity.
As she puts it: “I write for people like me. For the ordinary, the mundane, the ones who I believe are important to the fashioning of the Nigerian Identity.”
Major Breakthrough
Now at just 23 years old, Maryhilda has achieved something remarkable. She has been awarded the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship, one of the most prestigious poetry prizes in the world.
The fellowship, given by the Poetry Foundation in the United States, comes with a massive $27,000 grant. It is designed to support poets between the ages of 21 and 31 and is regarded as one of the biggest poetry awards for young writers globally.
Building Her Name in Poetry
This award is not a one-off win. Maryhilda has been steadily building her reputation through her craft. Her work has already earned her:
- Indiana Review Poetry Prize
- American Literary Review Poetry Prize
- Bloomsday Poetry Prize
Her poems have also been published in respected journals like:
- Indiana Review
- American Literary Review
- Chestnut Review
- Brittle Paper
She is also a Best of the Net nominee and currently serves as the Hoffman-Halls Emerging Artist Fellow at the Wisconsin Institute of Creative Writing.
A Story of Hope
Maryhilda’s rise is proof that talent and hard work can meet opportunity at the right time. From teaching in Nigeria with little pay to receiving one of the biggest fellowships in poetry, her journey is both inspiring and motivating.
Her story reminds us that no matter where we start, grace can meet us along the way.
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