Lagos, Oct. 5, 2026

Poet Ogaga Ifowodo says his collection, ‘Why Does God Need a Gun?’ shortlisted for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature has brought wider attention to the book examining faith, human dignity and freedom.

‘Why ​‌‌⁠‍​‍⁠⁠‍​​‌‍⁠​‍‌‌​Does God Need a Gun?’ is among three poetry books selected from 223 entries for the 2026 prize.

Ifowodo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the collection, which made the initial long-list of 11 books, examined how religious beliefs shape attitudes toward people who hold different beliefs.

” It’s a poetic reflection on the question of belief, religious belief and what that means for how we see another who does not share that belief,” he said.

The poet said the first section centres on Leah Sharibu, who is presented as a composite figure representing girls abducted from schools, and traced her fears, anxieties, despair and hope.

He explained that he wanted the poems to restore the humanity of victims whose experiences were often reduced to headlines.

” I want to make the reader share every moment of her anxieties, fears, and hopes,” he said.

The collection also examines religious fanaticism, freedom of thought and the consequences of actions carried out in the name of God.

Ifowodo said the work extended beyond Nigeria to consider religious extremism, violence and displacement in other parts of the world.

He said the collection ultimately questions claims made in the name of God and considered their implications for peaceful coexistence and development.

” When there’s no peace, there can’t be development or progress. What you will have is war, strife, and conflict,” he said.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Prize for Literature began in 2004 and covers prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.

The 2026 poetry shortlist comprises Ifowodo, James Eze and Tares Oburumu, with the winner to receive $100,000.