As the North-West Zonal Stages of the Poetry Challenge 2026—Arewa Edition organised by the MPS Media approach, Kaduna prepares to welcome young poets from across the region — and with partners who believe in their potential, their stories will have an even greater platform to be heard.
The North-West Zonal Stages will bring together contestants from seven states — Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara — for three stages of the competition in Kaduna State.
In a morale boosting move, a philanthropist and businesswoman, Her Highness Habiba Shehu Danfulani, Lu’u’lu’un Matan Gusau, has offered sponsorship support to the competition.
The North West auditions is taking place in Kaduna State from 12th to 18th September 2026 following the successful completion of the North East zonal audition held in Bauchi in August, 2026.
Habiba Shehu who is the Founder of Zamcare Initiative and ASAD Furniture, is widely recognised for her commitment to community development, humanitarian service, youth empowerment and philanthropy. Through her organisations and personal initiatives, she has continued to support young people and contribute to initiatives that create opportunities for growth and positive social impact.
Her brands, Zamcare Initiative, ASAD Furniture and ASAD Lubricant, will feature as official sponsors of the North-West Zonal Stages of the competition, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting young people, creativity and community development.
This is not the first time Her Highness Habiba Shehu Danfulani’s is supporting the MPS Media Poetry Challenge.
She had previously demonstrated her commitment to the development of young creative talents by providing scholarships for young people to enroll in the MPS Media Poetry Academy, enabling them to access training, mentorship and an opportunity to develop their voices and creative abilities.
Her support also reflects a belief that empowering young people with the right opportunities can help them become confident contributors to society.
Professor Ahmed Adamu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MPS Media and Initiator and Organiser of the MPS Media Poetry Challenge, expressed profound appreciation to Her Highness for her continued belief in the vision of the initiative.
Prof Adamu said: “Every young person carries a potential that deserves to be discovered, encouraged and given the opportunity to flourish. Supporting initiatives that give young people a platform to learn, express themselves and develop their talents is one of the ways we can contribute to building a stronger future for our communities.
“Poetry is not simply about words. It gives young people the confidence to tell their stories, express their ideas and communicate messages that can inspire positive change.”
He said: “Her Highness Habiba Shehu Danfulani represents the kind of leadership and philanthropy that creates opportunities rather than simply providing assistance. What makes her support particularly meaningful is that she has believed in these young people even before they stepped onto the competition stage.”
The MPS Media Poetry Challenge 2026 – Arewa Edition is designed as more than a competition. It is a platform for youth empowerment, cultural expression, leadership development, peacebuilding and the discovery of emerging creative voices across Northern Nigeria.
Sponsor’s social media handles
Zamcare Initiative – Instagram: @zamcare.ng
ASAD Furniture – Instagram: @asad_furniture_ng
ASAD Lubricant -Instagram: @asadlubricants
A Continuing Commitment to Young Talent
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