2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature explained

The 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature is a national literary prize sponsored by the Nigeria LNG that will be awarded in October 2024.

Background

The Nigeria Prize for Literature was established in 2004 and is worth USD100,000 in Prize money. The Prize is considered by literary critics as the biggest and most prestigious in Africa and has been commended for helping discover literary talent[1] although some emphasize that more needs to be done to help the African writer.[2] The Prize is in its 20th year, and has so far recorded 1851 entries in 16 competitions, producing 12 winning works.[3] [4] The Award is independently administered by the Nigerian Academy of Science with an Advisory Board made up of members from the Nigeria Academy of Letters and the Association of Nigerian Authors.[5]

The Prize in 2024 received 163 entries of children novels with 11 entries selected to the Long-list. The prizes will be announced and awarded in October 2024.

Judging panel

The 2024 Panel of Judges comprises the following:[6]

Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board with Olu Obafemi and Ahmed Yerima as members of the Advisory Board while Christopher Okemwa, Professor of Poetry and Drama at Kisii University serves as the International Consultant.[6] [8]

Nominations

Source:[9]

Longlist
Author Title
Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo A Father's Pride
Akanni Festus Olaniyi Bode's Birthday Party
Grandma and the Moon's Hidden Secret
Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel
Temiloluwa Adeshina Risi Recycle–The Dustbin Girl
Olatunbosun Taofeek The Children at the IDP Camp
Ayo Adeliyi Oyeku The Magic Jalabiya
Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi The Road Does Not End
Hyginus Ekwuazi The Third Side of a Coin
Anietie Usen Village Boy
Wish Maker

Notes and References

  1. Diala . I . 2020 . The Nigeria Prize for Literature and Current Nigerian Writing: Politics, Process, and Price of Literary Legitimation . Research in African Literatures . 51 . 4 . 36-65 . muse.jhu.edu.
  2. Web site: 2024-08-12 . The Trouble with the Nigeria Prize for Literature . 2024-09-03 . africasacountry.com . en-US.
  3. Web site: Braide . Damiete . July 13, 2024 . Two decades of literary excellence: The Nigeria Prize for Literature and its impact on Nigerian writers . thesun.ng.
  4. Web site: Oscar . Victor . April 19, 2024 . Nigeria Prize For Literature Receives 163 Entries In Children’s Literature Series . radionigerialagos.gov.ng.
  5. Web site: Nigeria Prize for Literature: Celebrating 20 years of excellence. 23 April 2024. Prisca. Sam-Duru. Vanguard. 7 August 2024.
  6. Web site: Interest in literature soars with 163 entries for Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024. Obinna. Emelike. 18 April 2024. Business Day.
  7. Web site: Murua . James . 2024-07-15 . NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024 longlist announced . 2024-09-03 . en-GB.
  8. Web site: Submit Children’s Books to the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024 Deadline: April 2. Kuhelika. Ghosh. 19 February 2024. Brittle Paper. 2 August 2024.
  9. Web site: Nigeria Prize for Literature Releases 2024 Longlist. Franca. Nwogu. 29 July 2024. The Board. 7 August 2024.