Deepening creative, innovative excellence as new visual identities unveiled for The Nigeria Prizes

By Editor

NIGERIA’S foremost gas company and sponsor of The Nigeria Prizes, NLNG, has unveiled new visual brand elements for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, and the newly introduced The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This marks a new phase in the evolution of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for intellectual and creative excellence.

While speaking at the unveiling, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, described the new visual identities as a strategic repositioning of the prizes to ensure sustained relevance and global resonance. She noted that the refreshed logos reinforce NLNG’s commitment to the promotion of intellectual and creative capital as critical drivers of sustainable development.

According to Horsfall, “For over two decades, The Nigeria Prizes have stood as independent symbols of excellence and national aspiration. This redesign is deliberate and forward-looking. It protects the legacy of the prizes while positioning them to be more visible, more iconic, and aligned with global standards of distinction into the future.”

She added that novel ideas remain central to national progress, “Ideas shape societies, and societies that invest in ideas secure their future. These new identities reaffirm our belief that literature, science, and innovation are not optional; they are foundational to Nigeria’s development.”
The logo for The Nigeria Prize for Literature draws inspiration from the turning pages of a book. Rendered in layered green forms, it symbolises imagination in motion, stories unfolding, voices rising, and ideas taking flight. The fluid curves reflect storytelling in all its forms, including fiction, poetry, drama, and prose, while the green palette represents renewal, learning, and the fertile landscape of Nigerian literature. The gradient suggests growth, tracing the journey of ideas from seed to story, with a sense of calm dynamism that speaks to reflection, dialogue, and the enduring vitality of the written word.

Commenting on the symbolism, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo said the logo captures the enduring power of Nigerian storytelling, noting, “The turning pages remind us that our stories are continuous, rooted in history yet constantly renewed. Nigerian literature has never been static, and this identity affirms its role as a dynamic force shaping thoughts, conscience, and cultural memory.”

She added that the design sends a strong message to writers and thinkers that “their voices matter and that imagination remains central to our collective destiny.”

The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation logo is formed from intersecting blue orbits, evoking atomic energy, electron pathways, and celestial motion. Its circular composition conveys continuity and the boundless nature of scientific inquiry, while the blue-lime palette reflects curiosity, intelligence, and the pursuit of truth. The identity celebrates Nigeria’s commitment to evidence-based inquiry and innovation, honouring those who push beyond the known to build a future powered by knowledge and imagination.

Chairman of the Advisory Board for The Nigerian Prize for Science and Innovation, Prof. Barth Nnaji, described the Science and Innovation logo as a reflection of the discipline, rigour, and ambition required for national transformation., adding, “Science is about movement, questioning, testing, and pushing boundaries. The energy captured in this identity reflects the spirit Nigeria must embrace to industrialise, compete, and solve complex challenges. The Prize remains a vital platform for recognising continuous and purposeful innovation.”

Completing the trio, the Nigerian Prize for Creative Arts logo is anchored by a lime-green spiral that represents innovation, continuity, and creative momentum. Its fluid form reflects the breadth of artistic disciplines encompassed by the prize and the dynamic nature of the creative process. The spiral’s motion conveys rhythm, progress and interconnectedness while the lime-green palette signals freshness, optimism and originality.

The redesign follows NLNG’s recent corporate brand refresh and the alignment of its visual assets with a modern design approach. Collectively, the redesigned logos articulate a unified vision that celebrates intellectual rigour, creative excellence and the transformative power of ideas that position The Nigeria Prizes for the future while reinforcing their roles as beacons of thought leadership, cultural relevance and national pride.

Also, Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-MariePalmer-Ikuku, shed light on the significance of the new identity for The NIigeria Prizes, when she said, “From the literary community to the scientific research field, these Prizes have consistently inspired conversations, recognised talent, stimulated creativity, and encouraged ideas that have a real impact on society.

“Our mission today has demonstrated that visual identity is rarely just a matter of aesthetics. Logos convey deep meaning, representing our experiences, our achievements, and the high standards we uphold. They reflect the confidence of an institution that honours its history and embraces its responsibility for the future.
Indeed, the logos of the Nigeria Prizes have witnessed scientific discoveries, classic literary works, and critical thinking that inspire ideas across Nigeria and beyond. They represent impact, commitment, and progress.

“What we have unveiled today continues this legacy. We also acknowledge the strong collaboration between NLNG, and the communities connected to each Prize. It is this partnership that gives the Prizes life and purpose.”

She commended both the two Advisory Board helping to manage the prizes and media partners for their diligence in promoting the prizes to the wider literary, scientific and cinematic communities.

“I wish to commend everyone who has contributed to the success of The Nigeria Prizes, from the Advisory Boards to the scientists, the innovators, the writers, and to all who support and champion the Prize,” Palmer-Ikuku said. “Your dedication ensures that the Prize remains a standard of excellence, inspiring and celebrating brilliance for years to come. Let me also thank our media friends who have maintained excellent reporting and publicity for the Prizes.”

Since the inception of The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science in 2004, the prizes have maintained a consistent visual identity that helped establish strong brand equity. Building on this strong legacy, the refreshed identities reflect a deliberate evolution that strengthens the prizes’ role as leading drivers of intellectual, creative and national impact.

Literature Advisory Board member, Prof. Ahmed Yerima (left); Science and Innovation Advisory Board member, Chief Nike Akande; Science and Innovation Advisory Board Chairman, Prof. Barth Nnaji; General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall (left); Chairperson, The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo;; Emeritus Prof. Olu Obafemi (Literature Advisory Board member); Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-MariePalmer-Ikuku at the unveiling of the new brand identity… in Lagos