The deadlines for the 2018 edition of the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited-sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature and Science competitions is around the corner. While the literature prize, which opened on February 13, will close on March 29, deadline for the science prize, which opened on February 15, is May 25.
Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited has since published the call for entries for the 2018 edition of the prizes.
A statement Wednesday by Tony Okonedo, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs of the company, said the focus for the literature prize in 2018 is Drama while the science prize will be accepting entries on Innovations in Electric Power Solutions.
“The literature prize rotates among four literary genres- Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children’s Literature. The prizes come with a prize cash of $100,000 each,” the statement explained.
Professor Matthew Umukoro, a professor of Theatre Arts at University of Ibadan, the company stated, will chair the panel of judges for this year’s Literature prize competition.
Other members include Professor Mohammed Inuwa Buratai, a Professor of Theatre and Performing Arts and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria; and Dr. Mrs Ngozi Udengwu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature has since 2004 rewarded eminent writers such as Ikeogu Oke (2017, Poetry) with The Heresiad; Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (2016, Prose) with Season of Crimson Blossoms; Sam Ukala (2014; Drama) with Iredi War; Tade Ipadeola (2013; Poetry) with his collection of poems, Sahara Testaments; Chika Unigwe (2012 – prose), with her novel, On Black Sister’s Street; as well as Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children’s literature) with his book The Missing Clock.
Others are Esiaba Irobi (2010, drama) who clinched the prize posthumously with his book Cemetery Road; Kaine Agary (2008, prose) with Yellow Yellow; Mabel Segun (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her collection of short plays Reader’s Theatre; Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) with her book, My Cousin Sammy; Ahmed Yerima (2006, drama) for his classic, Hard Ground; and Gabriel Okara (co-winner, 2005, poetry), Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto (co-winner, 2005, poetry).
The Nigeria Prize for Science has also been awarded to science laureates such as Professor Akii Ibhadode (2010); the late Professor Andrew Nok (2009); Dr. Ebenezer Meshida (2008); Professor Michael Adikwu (2006); and joint winners Professor Akpoveta Susu and his then doctoral student, Kingsley Abhulimen (2004).
The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science are some of Nigeria LNG Limited’s numerous contributions towards building a better Nigeria.