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Ngozi Uma
The race for the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature gathered momentum at the weekend as Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), in partnership with the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), celebrated the 11 poets longlisted for this year’s prize at the annual CORA Book Party in Lagos.
Held at the Muson Centre on August 2, the event brought together writers, readers, critics, publishers, students, journalists and lovers of literature for an afternoon of poetry, cultural performances and lively conversations.
More than a celebration, the Book Party gave members of the public the rare opportunity to meet the longlisted authors, listen to them read from their works and discuss the ideas behind their books before the winner is announced later this year.
The longlisted books were selected by the panel of judges from 223 entries submitted for the 2026 poetry cycle after entries opened in February. The announcement marks an important stage in the competition, ahead of the shortlist and the eventual selection of the winner in October.
The 11 books on the longlist are Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide, Bakandamiya by Saddiq Dzukogi, Blackpassport by Paul Akpomuje, 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase, Ceremoney for the Nameless by Theresa Lola, Corpus by Ayo Oyeku, Flora’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu, The Origin of Wounds by Rasaq Malik Gbolahan, The Years of Blood by Adedayo Agarau, Unbind Me Now by James Ngwu Eze, and Why Does God Need A Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo.
One of the major highlights of the event was the poetry reading session.
Rather than simply reading from their books, the poets delivered dramatic and emotional performances that brought their words to life and drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The celebration also featured cultural dance and musical performances, creating a colourful atmosphere that reflected Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the Book Party underscores the importance of creating platforms that take literature beyond the pages of books and into public conversations.
According to her, The Nigeria Prize for Literature was established not only to reward outstanding writers but also to strengthen Nigeria’s reading culture, encourage critical thinking and promote creative expression.
She noted that poetry remains one of the most powerful literary forms because it captures complex emotions and experiences in simple but meaningful language.
Horsfall said the 223 entries received this year reflected the vibrancy of Nigerian poetry and the confidence writers continue to place in the NLNG-sponsored prize.
“The 2026 Poetry cycle attracted 223 entries, each offering a distinct rhythm, perspective and artistic expression. Together, these submissions attest to the vitality of Nigerian poetry and to the confidence Nigerian writers continue to place in The Nigeria Prize for Literature,” she said.
CORA Secretary-General, Mr. Toyin Akinosho, described the Book Party as a unique platform that allows books to be read, discussed, questioned and appreciated before the final winner is announced.
He said the annual gathering has become an important intervention in Nigeria’s literary space because it gives authors greater visibility while encouraging direct interaction between writers and readers.
Akinosho also commended NLNG for its continued investment in Nigeria’s literary culture.
“We are here because a profitable Nigerian gas company decided that a way to spend some share of its profit is to enable the Nigerian reading space. I’d like to thank NLNG for continuing to support this yearly afternoon of book conversation and the celebration of this country’s finest authors,” he said.
He added that the CORA-Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party remains unique because it allows shortlisted writers to engage directly with readers and explain the inspiration behind their works before the final award is decided.
The audience also gained personal insights into the poets during a question-and-answer session moderated by Juliet Nnaji. Asked how they would spend the prize money if they emerged winners, the authors shared ambitions that reflected their passion for literature and education.
Some said they would establish libraries in schools, while others pledged to use the money to encourage young writers, promote the reading and writing of poetry among younger generations, support writers’ groups and invest part of the prize in their personal lives.
Now in its 22nd year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, rotates annually among four genres—Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children’s Literature. The 2026 edition is dedicated to poetry, with the winner expected to be announced in October.
As anticipation builds towards the final announcement, this year’s CORA Book Party once again demonstrated that the prize is not only about rewarding literary excellence but also about creating meaningful conversations around books, celebrating Nigerian writers and inspiring a new generation of readers and poets.
