Culture

NLNG launches 2026 Literature Prize adjudication process with 223 entries

Published

5 months ago

April 21, 2026

NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature 2026 judging begins as 223 poetry entries are submitted for evaluation in Lagos

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), through its Nigeria Prize for Literature Advisory Board and panel of judges, on Monday formally commenced the adjudication process for the 2026 edition of its flagship literary award after receiving 223 entries from writers across the country.

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2026 NLNG Prize for Literature in Nigeria adjudication began during a handover ceremony held in Lagos, where submissions in this year’s poetry category were officially transferred to the judging panel for detailed evaluation.

NLNG confirmed that while the number of entries is slightly lower than some previous peak editions, participation remains strong, reflecting sustained engagement and growing interest in the prize among Nigerian writers.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr Sophia Horsfall, represented by Manager of Government Relations Abdul Umar, described the development as the start of a rigorous and meticulous evaluation exercise.

“This marks the start of a process that demands attention, patience, and sound judgement, and will ultimately determine the work that defines this year’s Prize,” she said.

Dr Horsfall described the $100,000 award as one of the most prestigious literary honours on the African continent, noting that the poetry category requires exceptional depth, clarity, and creative precision.

She added that expectations for the current cycle are informed by previous winning works.

She also reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to promoting literary excellence and strengthening Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual landscape, stating that the initiative has continued to encourage discipline in writing and improve reading culture nationwide.

“At NLNG, we have consistently provided a platform that supports excellence and inspires a sustainable future,” she added.

Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, formally received the entries before handing them over to the judges.

She commended NLNG for sustaining the prize and said each edition continues to reflect the evolution of Nigerian literature across genres.

She urged the panel to approach the process with diligence and professionalism, as they begin months of reading and assessment that will produce a longlist of eleven entries, a shortlist of three, and ultimately a final winner.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature remains one of NLNG’s most respected awards, alongside the Nigeria Prize for Science and other thematic categories aimed at promoting excellence across key sectors.

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In the 2025 edition, the prose category was awarded to Oyin Olugbile for her novel Sanya.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”