The Nigerian literary community is abuzz with excitement as the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature turns its spotlight on children’s literature for its 2024 edition. In a recent ceremony held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and The Nigeria Prize for Literature honoured 11 outstanding authors who have been longlisted for the coveted award.
This year’s focus on children’s literature is being hailed as a significant moment in Nigerian cultural history, emphasising the crucial role of engaging young readers and fostering the next generation of literary talent. The prize, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Ltd., carries a substantial reward of $100,000 for the winner, underscoring the importance placed on this genre.
The event, held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre on August 17, marked the 15th edition of the Book Party and brought together authors, journalists, literature lovers and a lot of children, perhaps that greatest number since inception.
Moderated by Victory Ashaka, a young intellectual who began as a nine-year-old prodigy, who also engaged the authors on a question and answer session, the event was a thrilling experience for attendees, young and old. Six children’s groups read and performed, including Gifted Steppers Art Foundation, Kings and Queens Art Academy, The Starkids Academy, iRead Mobile Library Network, The Ovie Brume Foundation and AJ House of Poetry.
Their dance and drama performance of a mashup of excerpts from the longlisted texts was arguably the highest point of the gathering.
While speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, lauded the CORA Book Party as a standout event among the series of activities leading up to the announcement of the Nigeria Prize for Literature winner.
“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. It’s an event laden with positive emotions, giving the day its special spark and the awards their glorious lustre,” Mr. Odeh stated.
He added that the literary atmosphere in the country is charged with hope and anticipation, with everyone eager to see who will emerge as the next laureate of the prestigious The Nigeria Prize for Literature.
Odeh emphasised the commitment of NLNG to Excellence, a value, he said, that has driven the company from a modest gas company to a major global gas giant over the past 35 years. He stressed that the Prize has not only celebrated literary excellence but also spurred improvements in the quality of books, editing, publishing, and the broader literary ecosystem.
He expressed his pride in the eleven authors who emerged from the array of talents vying for the Prize, stating that their achievements have made their families, their country, and NLNG proud.
Mr Odeh also expressed appreciation to CORA and the Nigerian authors for ensuring that the book party remains a notable book festival in the country’s literary calendar.
CORA’s Secretary-General, Mr Toyin Akinosho, emphasised the significance of the book party which provides a platform for authors to discuss their work of arts and interact with readers.
“The first book party was organised after a review of the first five years of the Prize, in response to calls that the Prize should do more than a glamorous Gala night in which one author got rich, but the Nigeria book trade and literary scene as a whole didn’t seem elevated. CORA decided to help out,” he stated.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of CORA’s Board of Trustees, Chief Kayode Aderinokun, highlighted the often-overlooked genre of children’s literature. He noted that while poetry, short stories, and novels are typically prioritised by Nigerian authors, writing for children requires a unique perspective—seeing the world through the eyes of young readers. Aderinokun stressed the importance of engaging young minds early to foster a love for literature.
Aderinokun extended a warm welcome to book lovers, literary enthusiasts, and well-wishers, acknowledging the support of the NLNG. He praised NLNG for its continued sponsorship of the Prize, noting their significant contributions to the Nigerian reading space and their role as a major tax contributor in the country.
This year’s Prize marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of recognising outstanding literary works. The event also served as a platform to honour the best writers in children’s literature, including Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor (A Father’s Pride), Akanni Festus Olaniyi (Bode’s Birthday Party), Jumoke Verissimo (Grandma and the Moon’s Hidden Secret), Henry Akubuiro (Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel), and Temiloluwa Adeshina (Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl).
Other notable authors included Olatunbosun Taofeek (The Children at the IDP Camp), Ayo Oyeku (The Magic Jalabiya), Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi (The Road Does Not End), Hyginus Ekwuazi (The Third Side of a Coin), Anietie Usen (Village Boy), and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike (Wish Maker).
Selected from an impressive pool of 163 entries, these 11 books represent the pinnacle of children’s literature in Nigeria today. The diversity of themes and styles showcased in the longlist – from magical adventures to poignant explorations of social issues – demonstrates the rich tapestry of storytelling aimed at young Nigerian readers.
Some of these writers have been recognised in previous editions of the Prize, showcasing their continued excellence in children’s literature.
The event underscored the vital role of children’s literature in shaping the future of Nigerian society, encouraging young readers to explore and embrace the world of books. As the literary community gathered to celebrate these achievements, the message was clear: nurturing a love for reading in children is essential for the growth and development of literature in Nigeria.
The Prize has been a beacon of literary excellence for 20 years. Its annual rotation between prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature ensures a holistic celebration of Nigeria’s literary landscape. The prize’s significant monetary award not only recognises individual talent but also invigorates the entire literary ecosystem.
As we look to the future of Nigerian literature, events like this book party and prizes like The Nigeria Prize for Literature play a crucial role. They recognise and reward literary excellence but also create a platform for dialogue, inspiration and the cultivation of new talent. By shining a spotlight on children’s literature, the 2024 prize reminds us of the power of stories to shape young minds, foster creativity and build a more literate, empathetic society.
In a world where digital distractions increasingly compete for children’s attention, the celebration of children’s literature takes on added significance. These books offer windows into diverse experiences, spark imagination, and provide invaluable tools for understanding the world. As we eagerly await the announcement of the winner in October 2024, we can celebrate the fact that all of these authors have already succeeded in enriching the literary landscape for young Nigerian readers.
