Nigerian poet, Ogaga Ifowodo, has won the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature, earning a prize of $100,000 for his poetry collection, “Why Does God Need a Gun”.
The award was presented at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Grand Award Night in Lagos on Friday. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, is among Africa’s prominent literary awards.
Ifowodo’s work was selected from 223 entries submitted for this year’s competition, which was dedicated to poetry. The collection examines religious and political violence in Nigeria.
The chairman of the prize’s Advisory Board, Professor Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo, praised the book for its thoughtful treatment of violence and its strong literary expression, noting the relevance of its themes beyond Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, NLNG Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to recognising outstanding talent and encouraging creativity, innovation and national development.