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Eleven poets jostle for $100,000, ‘Nigeria Prize for Literature 2026’
The longlisted titles, arranged alphabetically are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide, Bakandimiyaby Saddiq Dzukogi, Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje, 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase, Ceremony for The Nameless by Theresa Lola, and Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku.
• 11 poets for 2026 NLNG prize
The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize For Literature, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, announced a longlist of eleven poets for the 2026 edition of the prize.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
The eleven outstanding poetry collections which emerged on the longlist were selected from 223 entries received earlier for the competition.
The chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, said that the entries mark a significant milestone in this year’s competition and reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary poetry.
The longlisted titles, arranged alphabetically are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide, Bakandimiyaby Saddiq Dzukogi, Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje, 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase, Ceremony for The Nameless by Theresa Lola, and Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku.
Others are: Floral’s Love Colonyby Tares Oburumu, The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan, The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau, Unbind Me Nowby James Ugwu Eze and Why Does God Need a Gunby Ogaga Ifowodo.
The announcement of the 11-title longlist formally opens the next phase of the shortlist of three in August and possible announcement of the winner in October.
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JUST IN: Ex-Delta Gov Uduaghan Dies at 71, Oborevwori Mourns
Former Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is dead. He passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, after a period of illness.
A family statement announced his death, describing it as a devastating loss. Uduaghan, a medical doctor, served as Delta State Commissioner for Health (1999–2003) and Secretary to the State Government (2003–2007) before becoming governor from 2007 to 2015. He was known for contributions to infrastructure and human capital development in the state.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed deep sadness over the passing. In a condolence message, he described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose service left a lasting mark on Delta State.
Oborevwori extended heartfelt condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation, and the people of Delta State, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
News
JUST IN: Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Motorcyclist’s Death in Lagos
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
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ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
