The Awele Ilusanmi Foundation has announced a book reading competition with ₦1.5 million in cash prizes for Nigerians interested in reading, reviewing and sharing their perspectives on literature.
The competition, organised under the Foundation’s 36 States and FCT Rewarding Reading Initiative in collaboration with Authors’ Hub, will focus on “Why Does God Need a Gun” by Ogaga Ifowodo, winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2026.
Administered by Authors’ Hub, the initiative is designed to promote reading among Nigerians, encourage families to read together, celebrate the award winning author and recognise readers who demonstrate thoughtful engagement with literature.
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The competition has two categories: Best Family Book Review and Best Individual Book Review, with cash prizes available for the top three entries in each category.
Under the Best Family Book Review category, the first place winner will receive ₦500,000, while the second and third place winners will receive ₦300,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.
For the individual category, the first place winner will receive ₦250,000, the second place winner ₦150,000 and the third place winner ₦100,000.
All participants will receive certificates of participation.
How To Enter The Competition
Interested participants are required to purchase a copy of “Why Does God Need a Gun” and submit their purchase receipts to gain access to the competition’s WhatsApp group.
The book can be purchased from the following outlets:
- Rovingheights Bookstore: 28 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos. Phone: +234 810 979 5365.
- Masobe Books: https://masobebooks.com/ng/bookstore/
- Amazon: Through its online bookstore.
After purchasing the book, participants are expected to join the BOOKS GO VIRAL WhatsApp group through the link below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GRr75VrMrTOA4HfjO1BvtN?s=sh&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4&iam=0
Review Guidelines
For the individual category, participants are required to submit a written review of between 500 and 800 words or a video review lasting three to five minutes.
Entries should discuss the book’s major themes, messages and literary qualities, while highlighting its personal impact on the reader.
For the family category, reviews must be between 500 and 1,000 words or presented in a five-to-seven-minute video, with contributions from at least two family members.
Family reviews should examine the book’s central themes and messages, identify aspects that members found meaningful or thought-provoking, and discuss its relevance to their personal experiences and wider society.
Entries should be original and demonstrate a clear understanding of the book. Participants are free to express positive or critical opinions in their reviews.
Submission Deadline
Completed reviews should be submitted to readingcompetition26@gmail.com, alongside the participant’s name or names and phone number or numbers.
The submission deadline is January 15, 2027.
The competition is open to Nigerian citizens, whether residing in Nigeria or abroad.
The Foundation has also clarified that the initiative is independently organised by the Awele Ilusanmi Foundation and is not an official NLNG competition.
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