About Us – Absolute Poetry

Who We Are

Founded in 2017 Absolute Poetry Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Africa’s rich and diverse poetic heritage. We believe that poetry is not just art but also a tool to spark gentle revolutions, foster healing, transform lives, bridge cultural gaps, and inspire social change.

BOOK A POET

Objectives

At Absolute Poetry, our core objectives are to celebrate and elevate African poetic expression in all its forms.

Promoting African Poetry, Literature, and Performance Art.

Hosting national and international poetry events.
Publishing anthologies and collections of African Poetry.
Partnering with global literary organizations to showcase African poets internationally.

Provide Support for Poets and Writers

Provide grants and scholarships to emerging voices.
Offer mentorship and residency programs.
Organize skill-development workshops, retreats, and masterclasses.

Develop Educational Initiatives

Lead poetry reading sessions in schools and local communities.
Develop curriculum-aligned educational resources.
Collaborate with institutions to embed poetry into learning.

Engage With The Community

Organize open mic nights, slams, and public readings.
Facilitate poetry outreach programs in underserved communities.
Leverage poetry as a tool for dialogue and development.

Our Impact Framework

Advancing social change through poetry aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing

We promote mental health and emotional wellbeing through poetry-based reflection and creative healing initiatives. Our programs provide safe spaces for expression, resilience, and personal growth.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

We integrate poetry into formal and community learning to strengthen literacy and critical thinking skills. Creative education programs encourage self-expression, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality

We empower women and girls by amplifying their voices through poetry and storytelling platforms. Our campaigns challenge harmful norms and celebrate female leadership in the arts.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

We create inclusive literary spaces that elevate marginalized voices and diverse perspectives. Our initiatives promote equity, access, and fair representation within the creative ecosystem.

SDG 13 – Climate Action

We use poetry to raise awareness and inspire responsibility toward environmental protection. Creative advocacy encourages climate consciousness and sustainable community action.

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

We promote dialogue, civic responsibility, and social justice through spoken word and literary engagement. Poetry serves as a peaceful tool for reflection, accountability, and collective understanding.

MEET OUR LEADERS

Visionary leaders guiding our mission and empowering creative voices across Africa.

JONATHAN OLUWATOSIN ONIPE

CHAIRMAN/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TIMILEYIN OKUNLOLA

SECRETARY

IMISIOLUWA ADENIRAN

MEMBER

OLUWASEWA KAYODE

LEGAL ADVISER

IBRAHIM MUKHTAR MOSHOOD

MEMBER

DAVID OKOYE

COMMUNITY MANAGER

TESTIMONIALS

Stories of impact, inspiration, and growth, shared by voices transformed through meaningful creative encounters.

Inspired by the people I met at the Nigeria International Poetry Convention (NIPCON) organized by Jonathan Onipe of Absolute Poetry, I'm leaning more into using my art for social change.
Gabriel Oguche
NIPCON’25 Participant

Absolute Poetry, the intentionality in your work is incredibly fascinating. Loved the inclusion of customized notes, and the thoughts ehind the messages. It read to me like time and care was taken. Thank you. It was an honor to be a part of NIPCON 2025, and I look forward to more sessions.
A. S. Lawson
NIPCON’25 Resource Person

A journey that started out for me as an attendee has blossomed into a great opportunity to lead. I’m grateful to be a part of this movement and to see how much impact we’ve made.
David Okoye
Project Lead, NIPCON’25

Every detail reflected care and intention, leaving a lasting impression of thoughtful craft, meaningful words, and genuine artistic excellence.
ANONYMOUS
ATTENDEES

The experience inspired growth, clarity, and purpose, reminding me how art can speak boldly and still heal deeply.
ANONYMOUS
ATTENDEES

This platform nurtured creativity and connection, shaping voices, ideas, and stories into something truly impactful.
ANONYMOUS
ATTENDEES

An environment where creativity thrives, voices are honored, and meaningful expression is encouraged without limits.
ANONYMOUS
ATTENDEES

A transformative space that challenges artists to grow, connect, and use their craft for lasting social impact
ANONYMOUS
ATTENDEES

Intentional, inspiring, and deeply human—an experience that lingers long after the final word is spoken.
ANONYMOUS
ATTENDEES

50+

FINISHED PROJECTS

500+

IDEAS CREATED

500K+

REACHED

$ 10K+

FUNDING RECEIVED

OUR PARTNERS

We collaborate with trusted organizations and visionaries who share our commitment to creativity, excellence, and meaningful impact.