Lasun Alagbe
The story of a Nigerian poet is about to change.
His relationship with the muse will soon yield $100,000 which is about N140m.
Just from a single book.
A book of poetry which is also usually not very fat.
It will be any of James Ngwu Eze, Ogaga Ifowodo and Tares Oburumu, who have been shortlisted for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).
The three poets emerged from an initial pool of 223 submissions, following the longlist of 11 titles announced in July.
The shortlisted works are: ‘Unbind Me Now’ by Eze, ‘Why Does God Need a Gun’ by Ifowodo and ‘Flora’s Love Colony’by Oburumu.
According to the statement, Eze’s ‘Unbind Me Now’ uses fluid and aesthetically captivating language to condemn the sociopolitical dysfunction of Nigeria and the wider world.
The statement added that Ifowodo’s ‘Why Does God Need a Gun’ depicted religious and political violence in Nigeria through a rich allegorical style and Oburumu’s Flora’s Love Colony was written in a densely poetic style and explored Nigeria’s troubled history.
It noted that the shortlist followed an intensive judging process that assessed the works based on language, form, originality, craftsmanship and lasting literary value.
Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, said the selection reflected the depth and quality of contemporary Nigerian poetry.
Adimora-Ezeigbo said arriving at the final three from 223 submissions was a demanding task for the judges.
She said the shortlisted works distinguished themselves through literary excellence, originality and their ability to engage readers and the wider world.
NAN reports that the 2026 edition of the prize is dedicated to poetry in continuation of its annual rotation among prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature is sponsored by NLNG as part of its commitment to recognising literary excellence, encouraging creativity and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s literary culture.
The winner will be announced after the final stage of adjudication.
