By Ayo Kehinde
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated distinguished Nigerian poet, lawyer and human rights activist, Ogaga Ifowodo, on winning the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature for his poetry collection, Why Does God Need a Gun? The $100,000 award marks a significant milestone in Ifowodo’s literary career and celebrates the strength of Nigerian poetry as a vehicle for artistic expression, social commentary and intellectual engagement.
The Association described the achievement as a proud moment for the Nigerian literary community and a testimony to the enduring power of creative writing.
Ifowodo was announced as the winner at the Grand Award Night organised by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) in Lagos on the night of Friday, 9th October, 2026.
ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin, expressed the Association’s delight at Ifowodo’s achievement, describing it as an encouragement to established and emerging writers.
ANA noted that the recognition demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian writers to produce works that engage critical questions, explore the complexities of human experience and contribute meaningfully to contemporary literary discourse.
The Association expressed confidence that the award would further draw national and international attention to Nigerian poetry and encourage greater appreciation of the country’s literary heritage.
The Association recalled that Ifowodo has maintained a longstanding relationship with its literary awards, having won the ANA Prize for Poetry in 1996, the ANA/Cadbury Poetry Prize in 2003, and the ANA/Gabriel Okara Poetry Prize in 2005. These honours reflect his sustained contribution to Nigerian poetry and his established presence in the country’s literary landscape. His latest accomplishment adds another distinguished milestone to a career marked by creativity, intellectual depth and commitment to the written word.
ANA observed that the Nigeria Prize for Literature, established in 2004 and sponsored by NLNG, has become one of Africa’s most valuable literary awards. Rotating among prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature on a four-year cycle, the prize recognises outstanding works by Nigerian authors while encouraging creativity and the development of the nation’s literary culture.
The Association commended NLNG for sustaining the initiative and providing a prestigious platform through which Nigerian writers can showcase their talents, receive recognition for their creative efforts and reach wider audiences. ANA noted that the 2026 edition’s focus on poetry offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the depth, diversity and continuing relevance of poetic expression in Nigeria.
The Association also recalled Ifowodo’s participation in the 44th ANA International Convention in 2025, where he presented an article titled “I Pushed My Way Through.” In the piece, he reflected on an encounter with a remarkable 91-year-old literary figure (Prof. Wole Soyinka) whose prolific writing, continued travels and enthusiasm for engaging with the world offered lessons in literary endurance and intellectual curiosity. Ifowodo’s observations highlighted the importance of humility, attentiveness and openness to new experiences, illustrating how encounters across generations can deepen a writer’s understanding of literature and life. His participation in the convention further demonstrated his engagement with the Nigerian literary community and its continuing conversations about writing and literary culture.
They noted that his success stressed the value of dedication to literary craft and demonstrates the ability of Nigerian authors to earn recognition on prestigious platforms.
The Association expressed the hope that the achievement would inspire younger writers to pursue originality, discipline and excellence while contributing to the international visibility of Nigerian literature. ANA further encouraged literary institutions, cultural organisations and stakeholders to continue creating opportunities for writers to develop their talents and share their work with wider audiences.
The Association also congratulated the two other shortlisted poets, Tares Oburumu and James Ugwu Eze, for their literary contributions and recognition among the finalists for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature.
ANA commended their creativity, dedication and commitment to poetry, noting that their inclusion on the shortlist reflects the depth of talent within Nigeria’s literary community.
The Association encouraged both poets to remain steadfast in their creative pursuits and continue contributing to the growth of Nigerian literature.
ANA restated its congratulations to Ifowodo on his accomplishment and commended NLNG for its sustained investment in literary excellence, describing the Nigeria Prize for Literature as an important platform for celebrating writers, promoting reading and strengthening Nigeria’s cultural identity through literature.
