Nigerian becomes US National Youth Poet Laureate

A Nigerian has been named the 2026-2027 US National Youth Poet Laureate, earning him praise from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. 
Daniel Umemezie is the 10th young poet to hold the prestigious title and the second Nigerian-American to receive the honour. 
Umemezie follows in the footsteps of Salome Agbaroji, who became the first Nigerian-American to be named US National Youth Poet Laureate in 2023. 
A gifted Nigerian-American poet, Umemezie uses his writing to explore heritage, identity and the complexities of the Nigerian-American experience. 
His appointment marks another notable achievement for Nigerian-American representation in the US literary space, following Agbaroji’s historic appointment three years ago. 
Spotlighting Umemezie across its social media accounts, the U.S. Mission Nigeria wrote: “Meet Daniel Umemezie, the 2026-2027 U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate — the 10th poet to hold this prestigious title, and the second Nigerian-American to do so, following 2023 laureate Salome Agbaroji! 
“A gifted Nigerian-American voice, Daniel weaves verse that captures the vibrant richness and intricate complexity of a vibrant life; bridging heritage, identity, and the Nigerian-American experience with striking clarity. 
“His achievement embodies #AmericanExcellence by demonstrating how the United States empowers talented young people to thrive, lead, and inspire through creativity.” 
 

Umemezie’s achievement has also been celebrated as an example of how young people can use creativity and storytelling to lead, inspire and make an impact. 
The National Youth Poet Laureate title recognises outstanding young poets in the United States and provides a platform for young literary voices to reach wider audiences.