Some victories belong to the victor; others become a celebration for an entire literary community.
The Cross Country Poetry Initiative (CCPI) warmly congratulates Ogaga Ifowodo on winning the $100,000 Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Prize for Literature with his remarkable collection of poems, Why Does God Need a Gun?
Having pursued this prestigious prize through previous attempts, including earlier longlisting, Ifowodo's eventual triumph reminds us that recognition does not always come at the first attempt. Sometimes, it takes persistence, continued commitment, and the courage to keep presenting one's work. Consistency pays off, and this victory makes that lesson worth celebrating.
This is more than a personal milestone. It is a moment of immense pride for poetry and the wider literary community, affirming the power of words to challenge, question, and command attention on the grandest literary stages.
At CCPI, an initiative committed to nurturing voices, building communities, and advancing poetry across geographical boundaries, we celebrate this achievement with profound joy.
Ogaga Ifowodo, congratulations on this extraordinary feat. May your success inspire others to persist in their craft and trust the journey, even when recognition takes time.
With pride and warmest congratulations,
Adegbite Uthman Adeyemi
Secretary, CCPI
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