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By Damiete Braide
Chiziterem Chijioke’s work, Dear Zimi, has broken the jinx to become the first female to win the seventh edition of the annual Quramo Festival of Words,
QFEST 2023 with the theme, “Connecting The Dots”. Chijioke went home with N1m and a book publishing deal for her winning manuscript.
“Dear Zimi” is a story about a pregnant undergraduate and how she navigates the changes in her life following her circumstances. Truth Bakare emerged as first runner-up with her work, Summer Bloom, while Mujahid Ameen emerged as second runner-up with his work Landscape of Loss.
The panel of judges for the competition were Lechi Eke, Anote Ajeluorou and Dr Eghosa Imasuen respectively.
Mrs Gbemi Shasore, Chief Executive Officer, Quramo Publishing, in her address of welcome said, “This year’s festival featured a diverse program of 10 creative workshops, six panel discussions, four book chats, two film screenings, an Irish Siamsa, a stage play, a Q Conversation, Word Slam contest, raffle draws and the Quramo Writers’ Prize winner unveiling.
“Over 30 sessions led by renowned creative experts and thought leaders who delved into subjects as diverse as fintech, culinary exports, African art history, intellectual rights, entertainment and artificial intelligence. The diversity of topics further provided valuable insights and sparked meaningful conversations.
“We at Quramo choose to celebrate and spark conversation around the issues that enrich creativity, make room for fresh talent and foster culture and community. We believe this is how to reshape how the world sees Nigeria and Africa — through the appeal and attraction of what we create. We do this primarily through books and film, and through our initiatives and events.
Shasore disclosed “, Through the Quramo Festival of Words, we work to celebrate and explore deeper, the arts and culture of literature as a broad field of creativity and tool for societal development. The theme for this year’s Quramo Festival of Words, ‘Connecting the Dots’, has guided our journey throughout this festival, emphasizing the importance of building bridges within our nation, across our continent and beyond.
“In a world that can often feel divided, it is our connection, shared stories and mutual understanding that bring us closer together. The theme was our way of underscoring the importance of fostering connections within Nigeria and across Africa. Information travels at the speed of light, and so it is crucial that we initiate and strengthen communication, travel and distribution networks within our country and continent. Only through these connections can make our products truly shine on their own merit,” she said
Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, Head Judge of the Quramo’s Writers Prize, said, “ Our journey began with great enthusiasm and anticipation as we embarked on the meticulous task of evaluating 20 manuscripts. These submissions, all meticulously anonymized to ensure impartiality, were carefully assessed based on the five key parameters: originality, literary quality, thematic depth, character development, and overall impact.
“The diverse voices and narratives that graced our judging table served as a testament to the vibrant literary landscape that our contemporary writers inhabit.
“After several weeks of rigorous assessment and scoring, we emerged with a shortlist of five exceptional manuscripts. These works not only demonstrated remarkable creativity but also captured the essence of storytelling in distinct and compelling ways. The shortlisted authors deserve commendation for their dedication and artistic vision.”
Ololade Alaka, Festival Director, Quramo Festival of Words, in her vote of thanks, noted creativity and passion had been the driving force behind the success of this festival.
“QFEST is a celebration of the power of words and the beauty of literary arts and culture, so it is through your collective efforts that we continue to grow and thrive. As we conclude this remarkable journey of words, let us carry forward the connections we have forged, the knowledge we have gained, and the inspiration we have received. Together, we will continue to connect the dots, building bridges within our communities, our nation, our continent and the world.
“Let us continue to celebrate the powerful diversity of words, keeping the spirit of QFEST alive throughout the year, until we meet again.”
