The Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) recently hosted a book party in Lagos to honor the 11 authors shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature. The event, which took place on Saturday, marked the first public gathering of the longlisted authors. It was a celebration of literary talent and creativity.
The book party featured a vibrant mix of book readings and a panel session, with authors participating both in person and virtually. The 11 selected works, chosen from a pool of 163 entries by a panel of judges led by Professor Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, are all contenders for this year’s prize, which is dedicated to Children’s Literature.
The other judges for the prize include Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia. The winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature will be announced in October 2024.
Among the honored authors on the longlist are Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo with “A Father’s Pride,” Akanni Festus Olaniyi with “Bode’s Birthday Party,” Jumoke Verissimo with “Grandma And The Moon’s Hidden Secret,” Henry Akubuiro with “Mighty Mite And Golden Jewel,” Temiloluwa Adeshina with “Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl,” and Olatunbosun Taofeek with “The Children At The IDP Camp.”
The remaining authors on the longlist are Ayo Oyeku with “The Magic Jalabiya,” Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi with “The Road Does Not End,” Hyginus Ekwuazi with “The Third Side of A Coin,” Anietie Usen with “Village Boy,” and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike with “Wish Maker.”
The General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development of NLNG, Andy Odeh, praised the CORA Book Party as a standout event leading up to the announcement of the Nigeria Prize for Literature winner. Odeh stated, “The CORA Book Party is a remarkable event that brings together the greatest number of authors, books, journalists, and lovers of literature and the arts to celebrate books and their authors.”
Odeh emphasized NLNG’s commitment to excellence and mentioned how the Prize has not only celebrated literary excellence but also spurred improvements in the quality of books, editing, publishing, and the broader literary ecosystem.
Mr. Toyin Akinosho, the Secretary-General of CORA, highlighted the significance of the book party as a platform for authors to discuss their work and interact with readers. He explained that the party was organized in response to calls for the Prize to have a more significant impact on the Nigerian book trade and literary scene.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which has been promoting excellence in literature for 20 years, rotates annually among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. This year’s edition dedicated to Children’s Literature is expected to inspire the next generation of Nigerian writers and readers.
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