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By Damiete Braide
The Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN) has commended Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) for its pioneering launch of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, a $20,000 award dedicated to empowering young Nigerian storytellers.
The Prize, which targets documentary filmmakers aged 18 to 35, is themed: “Identity” and challenges emerging creatives to produce visual stories that reflect and redefine the image of Nigeria on the global stage.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Tony Okuyeme, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, described the initiative as a “historic milestone,” not only for the Nigerian creative sector but for Africa’s growing art and culture ecosystem.
“This new category is, without question, one of the most significant developments in Nigerian and African Creative Arts in recent years.
“The fact that NLNG has chosen to invest in young people, the heartbeat of our creative future, and offer them a platform to tell their stories with integrity and excellence is deeply commendable”, Okuyeme noted.
The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will debut in February 2026 and run alongside NLNG’s long-standing Prizes for Science and Literature. Filmmakers are expected to produce short documentaries of no more than 20 minutes, which will be judged using international standards to ensure global competitiveness.
According to Okuyeme, the Prize aligns perfectly with ACWAN’s commitment to promoting diverse narratives and giving voice to the creators who interpret Nigeria through art.
“This is more than just an award, it is an invitation to a generation. It is a declaration that our stories matter, that our culture is worthy, and that our identity, in all its complexity, deserves to be told by us”, he added.
ACWAN also lauded NLNG’s vision to strengthen the global recognition of Nigerian documentary film, stressing that such investments in creative capital are vital tools for nation-building and cultural diplomacy.
“We are excited, inspired, and proud. We encourage all eligible young filmmakers to seize this opportunity l, not just to compete, but to contribute to a legacy of creative excellence that reflects who we truly are”, Okuyeme stated.
ACWAN looks forward to an innovative and successful inaugural cycle of the prize, which is set to culminate in a grand award ceremony in October 2026.
