The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature has unveiled the longlist of 11 books, selected from a total of 163 entries that are competing for the 2024 prize, which focuses on Children’s Literature.
The longlist was announced in a release signed by Andy Odeh, general manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG.
The Children’s Literature prize, which is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), offers a cash award of $100,000 to the winner.
Meanwhile, the 11 longlisted books, arranged alphabetically by title are; A Father’s Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo; Bode’s Birthday Party by Akanni Festus Olaniyi; Grandma And The Moon’s Hidden Secret by Jumoke Verissimo; Mighty Mite And Golden Jewel by Henry Akubuiro and Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl by Temiloluwa Adeshina.
Others are: The Children At The IDP Camp by Olatunbosun Taofeek; The Magic Jalabiya by Ayo Adeliyi Oyeku; The Road Does Not End by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi; The Third Side of A Coin by Hyginus Ekwuazi; Village Boy by Anietie Usen and Wish Maker by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike.
Saleh Abdu, chairman of the panel of judges, and a professor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, presented the list to the Advisory Board. The panel also included Vicky Sylvester, a professor and 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.
Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, a professor and 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.
