If anyone had told me this time last year that I would be sitting here, writing about my second win, I would have laughed, probably choked on my tea, and told you to stop joking. Yet, here we are.

The first time I won, it was a shock. A pleasant one, of course, but shocking nonetheless. For the first time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, this storytelling thing was more than a hobby. When the announcement came, I remember staring at my phone like it had just confessed to a crime. “Winner ke? Me?” It was surreal.

But winning the second time? That felt different. This time, I knew what was at stake. The competition was fierce, with incredible writers pouring their hearts into their stories. And yet, my story about Hadiza and her battle with sickle cell resonated enough to place me among the winners again. It was humbling. It was exhilarating. And to be honest, it was slightly terrifying.

Written in the Cells isn't just a story; it's a reality so many people live with. Sickle cell isn’t just about hospital visits and medications. It’s about missing out on life, feeling like your body is constantly at war with itself, and being exhausted in ways people don’t always understand. Even though I placed second, I felt like I had still won. Because people related. People understood. And isn’t that the whole point of storytelling?

Winning again has been more than just about the prize money - though let’s not pretend that N50,000 didn’t bring a wide grin to my face. (My bank balance and I had not been on speaking terms for a while, so this was a much-needed reconciliation 😅). It'll go a long way this month but basically toward survival and small joys - a little investment, a little self-care (because good food fuels good stories 🙃) and a little gratitude to God Almighty. More than the money, this win reassured me that my words matter. That storytelling isn’t just something I do; it’s something I should do.

Winning first place was thrilling. Winning second place was humbling. But both wins reminded me of something important - that writing isn’t just about placement. It’s about impact. And knowing that my words made someone pause, reflect, and maybe even feel less alone? That's the real prize.

This win has given me the confidence to embrace my passion more boldly. Writing isn’t always easy. Sometimes the words flow like a river, and other times, you get a creative block. But this contest has reminded me why I write: to tell stories that people can relate to, that make them feel seen, that linger in their hearts long after the last word is read.

So here’s to Blogshop, for creating a platform where stories are valued. Here’s to every writer who pours their heart into their words. Here’s to the stories yet to be written. And here’s to chasing passions, no matter how uncertain the path may seem. Because sometimes, that uncertain path leads to unexpected victories.