Tag: children’s literature

CORA, NLNG Honour 2025 Longlist of 11 for The Nigeria Prize for Literature

Nigeria’s literary scene came alive over the weekend, as the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), in conjunction with The Nigeria Prize for Literature, hosted a book party to honour the 11 authors longlisted for the 2025 edition of the literature prize in Lagos.

The event marked the first public appearance of the longlisted writers. It featured book readings and a panel discussion, with authors participating both physically and virtually. The gathering brought together writers, readers, literary enthusiasts, and members of the media in a celebration of Nigerian storytelling.

The longlist was selected from a total of 252 entries by a judging panel chaired by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of Kwara State University. Other members include Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Mr. Olakunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club.

In her remarks at the event, Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the NLNG/CORA Book Party as a standout among the activities leading to the announcement of the winner in October.

“The NLNG/CORA Book Party is a unique celebration, one that draws authors, journalists, and lovers of literature together in a way that brings excitement and visibility to Nigerian writing,” she said.

“This Book Party is a testament to NLNG’s enduring belief in Nigeria’s creative future. While we produce energy to power homes, we also believe that stories power hope. In the past 20 years, the literature prize has ignited dreams, sharpened critical thinking, and inspired a new generation of Nigerian writers now stepping onto the global literary stage. The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to give visibility, validation, and encouragement to stories that might otherwise go unheard, reminding the world that Nigeria has voices that matter,” Horsfall added.

Horsfall highlighted the literary community’s growing anticipation ahead of the final announcement, adding that NLNG remains committed to promoting excellence through the Prize. She noted that beyond celebrating writers, the Prize has helped elevate standards in editing, publishing, and the overall literary ecosystem in Nigeria.

She praised the shortlisted authors, stating that their achievement is a source of pride for their families, the nation, and NLNG.

Also speaking at the event, CORA Secretary-General, Toyin Akinosho underscored the critical role of public literary platforms in fostering deeper engagement between writers and their audiences.

He emphasised the need for spaces where writers and readers can engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore the inspirations behind the writing, which, according to him, are crucial to sustaining a dynamic literary culture.

Now in its 21st year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates annually among four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.

August 7, 2025
The Nigeria Prize for Literature Releases 2024 Longlist of 11
The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature has unveiled the longlist of 11 books competing for the 2024 prize, selected from a total of 163 entries. This year’s focus is on Children’s Literature.

Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the prize offers a cash award of $100,000.

Here are the 11 longlisted books, arranged alphabetically by title:
1. A Father’s Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo
2. Bode’s Birthday Party by Akanni Festus Olaniyi
3. Grandma And The Moon’s Hidden Secret by Jumoke Verissimo
4. Mighty Mite And Golden Jewel by Henry Akubuiro
5. Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl by Temiloluwa Adeshina
6. The Children At The IDP Camp by Olatunbosun Taofeek
7. The Magic Jalabiya by Ayo Adeliyi Oyeku
8. The Road Does Not End by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi
9. The Third Side of A Coin by Hyginus Ekwuazi
10. Village Boy by Anietie Usen
11. Wish Maker by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike
The Chairman of the Panel of Judges, Professor Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, presented the list to the Advisory Board. The panel also included Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia. In their report, the judges described the longlisted books as entries with profound narratives and the authors’ creative prowess, highlighting the vividness of the characters and stories.

Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairman of the Advisory Board, accepted the longlist, commending the judges for their meticulous selection. She emphasised the importance of Children’s Literature in shaping young minds and stressed the need for quality and relevance in the literature that children are exposed to. She noted that the subject matter in Children’s Literature must resonate with the future.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly amongst four literary categories – prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.

A shortlist of three is expected in September. A winner, if any, will be announced by the Advisory Board in October.
July 15, 2024
Extension of Call for Entries: The Nigeria Prize For Literature, Literary Criticism, And Science 2024 Prize Cycle

Nigeria LNG Limited is pleased to announce the extension of the Call for Entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literature (NPL), The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism (NPLC), and The Nigeria Prize for Science (NPS) 2024 Prize Cycle. This extension aims to provide ample opportunity for more aspiring candidates to participate in these prestigious competitions.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature (NPL) stands as a beacon of recognition in the literary world, with a prize worth $100,000. This year, the genre in focus is Children’s Literature, inviting writers to showcase their talent in this captivating field. The application deadline for the NPL is April 2nd, 2024.

In parallel, The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism (NPLC), with a prize worth $10,000, emphasizes the critical analysis and appreciation of Children’s Literature. Scholars and enthusiasts are encouraged to delve into the depth of this genre. The application deadline for the NPLC coincides with that of the NPL, closing on April 2nd, 2024.

Furthermore, The Nigeria Prize for Science (NPS) offers a significant opportunity for innovators in the field of healthcare therapy. With a prize worth $100,000, this year’s theme, “Innovation For Enhancement of Healthcare Therapy,” seeks groundbreaking contributions towards improving healthcare outcomes. The application deadline for the NPS is April 30th, 2024.

We extend this call to all potential applicants across various sectors, including prestigious institutions, authors, publishers, professional bodies, and organizations. Whether your expertise lies in Linguistics & Language Studies, Theatre & Performing Arts, or the Medical Sciences, we welcome your participation. Detailed flyers outlining the application processes are attached for your reference.

Nigeria LNG Limited remains committed to fostering excellence in literature, literary criticism, and science. We encourage all eligible candidates to seize this opportunity and showcase their talents on the national stage.

February 11, 2024
Akubuiro, Gomba, Anyokwu, Taofeek, seven others in race for USD$100,000 drama prize

Eleven playwrights have emerged as contenders for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2023 worth USD$100,000. The awaited list came out today and set the literary scene agog with speculations as the likely three to make the shortlist in September before the October prize award ceremony when a winner will emerge. A statement from the Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, signed by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, said the longlist of 11 drawn from 143 plays in the running for the 2023 edition of the prize. The literature prize is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).

The 11 plays on the longlist are Dance of The Sacred Feet by Ade Adeniji, Gidan Juju by Victor S. Dugga, Grit by Obari Gomba, Home Coming by Cheta Igbokwe, The Boat People by Christopher Anyokwu, The Brigadiers of a Mad Tribe by Abuchi Modilim, and The Ojuelegba Crossroads by Abideen Abolaji Ojomu. Others are The Spellbinder by Bode Sowande, When Big Masquerades Dance Naked by Olubunmi Familoni, Where Is Patient Zero by Olatunbosun Taofeek and Yamtarawala – The Warrior King by Henry Akubuiro.

The list was presented to the Advisory Board by the jury chairman for this year’s prize, Ameh Dennis Akoh, a professor of Drama and Critical Theory at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State. Other panel members include Professor Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe and Dr Rasheedah Liman.

In their report, the jury stated that the longlist consisted of plays that unravel profound themes, each evidence of the artistry and creativity of the individual playwrights. The judges also added that the playwrights’ ability to breathe life into their characters and narratives is a testament to their profound insight into the human experience.

Accepting the recommended longlist, the board’s chairperson, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, commended the judges for the thorough exercise of picking the best from the entries for 2023. She said the longlist of 11 manifested the relentless scrutiny and unwavering dedication invested in the pursuit of true dramatic excellence by the judges. She also commended the playwrights on the longlist, adding that they have emerged as beacons of distinction in the annals of the literary world in Nigeria. Other members of the Advisory Board are Professors Olu Obafemi and Ahmed Yerima.

The jury will also continue adjudication on the 13 entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, which runs concurrently with The Nigeria Prize for Literature. The literary criticism prize carries a monetary value of USD$10,000.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly amongst four literary categories – prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. Last year the genre in contention was poetry, and Romeo Oriogun won with hs collection, Nomad.

July 21, 2023
Cheluchi Onyemelukwe wins the 2021 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature

$100,000 worth Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa’s most prestigious literary award, rotates yearly amongst four literary categories: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.

The 2021 winning entry ‘The Son of the House’ is a profoundly unconventional novel that portrays the lives of two women in different worlds whose paths crossed during captivity. But they soon realised their path had earlier crossed at various points.

The stories of Nwabulu, a one-time housemaid and now a successful fashion designer, and Julie, an educated woman who lived through tricks, deceits, and manipulations, are told through a mosaic plot structure against the backdrop of modernity and traditional patriarchy, poverty, and neglect.

The chairperson of the panel of judges, Professor Olutoyin Jegede, is a Professor of Literature in English at the University of Ibadan.

Other panel members include Professor Tanimu Abubakar, a Professor of Literature in the Faculty of Art, Ahmadu Bello University, and Dr. Solomon Azumurana, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Lagos.

The Advisory Board of the Prize also announced the appointment of the International Consultant for this year’s prize, Tsitsi Dangarembga, an acclaimed Zimbabwean author.

Her first novel, Nervous Conditions (1988), was hailed as one of the most important novels of the twentieth century and was included in the BBC’s 2018 list of the 100 books that shaped the world.

Her novels, The Book of Not (2006) and This Mournable Body (2018) were longlisted for the Booker Prize 2020.

Her plays have been performed at the University of Zimbabwe, and her short musical Kare KareZvako, (Mother’s Day, 2005) was screened at Sundance.

Her films have also received international recognition.

Cheluchi Onyemelukwe is a Nigerian author and academic.

She is best known for her 2019 family saga novel, The Son of the House.

She is also a Professor of Law at Babcock University, where she served formerly as an Assistant Professor.

In 2019, she won the Sharjah International Book Fair.

The Nigeria Prize For Literature was established in 2004 and sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company.

October 30, 2021