By Our Correspondent
Lagos, July 24, ’26 (TNZ) Eleven outstanding poetry collections are jostling to grab the $100,000 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in the 2026 edition of the annual event.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature announced the selection of the lucky 11 outstanding poetry collections from 223 entries for the competition.
Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, announced the selection.
He said the selection “marks a significant milestone in this year’s competition”.
Adimora-Ezeigbo noted that the long list of selected collections reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary poetry.
The listed titles, arranged alphabetically, are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide; Bakandimiya by Saddiq Dzukogi; Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje; 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase; and Ceremony for The Nameless by Theresa Lola
Others include Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku; Floral’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu; The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan; The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau; Unbind Me Now by James Ugwu Eze; and Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo
The board chairman described the announcement as an important stage in the 2026 edition of Africa’s most prestigious literary prize.
She noted that the collections demonstrate the remarkable capacity of poetry to illuminate
human experience through thoughtful reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.
Adimora-Ezeigbo added that the works revisit history while interrogating dominant historical narratives. They also expose the forces that shape collective identities and social relations.
Despite their varied emphases, she said the books share a commitment to exploring the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression, and social fragmentation.
Read Related News:
- NLNG wins excellence award at NOG Energy Week 2026
- Video: Horsfall steps in as NLNG GM External Relations as Odeh retires
- NLNG boosts gas supply to bonny plant, signs 6 GSAs
- Adedipe, Bamimore win 2024 NLNG Golf Classic
- NLNG’s 2025 Nigeria Prizes to spotlight AI, digital innovation
Commenting on style and language, the chairman said the books display an impressive diversity of poetic techniques. This is marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth, and artistic innovation.
“Many employ densely poetic, allegorical, and elegiac modes that invite multiple layers of
interpretation, while others draw extensively on folklore, oral traditions, and contemporary
realities to create a compelling fusion of past and present.
“Their language is generally fluid, evocative, and aesthetically refined, relying on vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and intellectual sophistication to communicate complex ideas.
“These works demonstrate how poetic language can illuminate social realities. It can challenge established perspectives and give voice to both individual and collective experiences.
“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work. It will give attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” TheNewsZenith quotes Adimora-Ezeigbo as stating.
She also commended the judges for their work, reaffirming the board’s commitment to a credible process. It is also literary excellence and the promotion of a strong reading culture.
TheNewsZenith recalls that the announcement of the 11-title longlist formally opens the next phase of the shortlist of three next month.
The board may announce the winner in October. NLNG sponsors the Nigeria Prize for Literature. It carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
In its 22nd year, the prize rotates annually across four genres – prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature. The 2026 edition is devoted to poetry. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of local happenings with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com. Also follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline. Because quality journalism costs money and effort, we humbly seek your kind donation to enable us to continue serving you better. Send donations to Guarantee Trust Bank 0705198504
