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By Damiete Braide
In a nation where dreams often wither due to inconsistent policies and a struggling economy, The Nigeria Prize for Literature stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Established in 2004 and sponsored by Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (Nigeria LNG), this prestigious prize marks its 20th anniversary in 2024. Nigeria LNG, founded 35 years ago in 1989 and situated in Bonny, Rivers State, has significantly contributed to the advancement of Nigerian literature through this initiative.
As the prize celebrates its 20th year, the focus is on Children’s Literature, a genre that highlights the importance of nurturing young minds. In October, the best writer for children will be honored with a prestigious diadem and a generous cash award for literary excellence. The last award in this category was given in 2019 to Jude Idada for his captivating book, Boom Boom.
The rationale behind The Nigeria Prize for Literature is rooted in the need to revive the declining quality of writing, publishing, and media production in Nigeria. According to the organisers, “The Nigeria Prize for Literature, known for its transparent assessment process, has recorded over 1,851 entries for 16 competitions that have so far produced 12 winning works since its commencement in 2004. With The Nigeria Prize for Literature, it is expected that the quest for a prestigious prize will improve the quality of writing, editing, proof-reading, and publishing in the country with far-reaching positive effects on print, broadcast journalism, film, and theatre production.”
The competition operates on a four-year cycle, alternating between Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature. This structure ensures that a wide range of literary genres receive attention and recognition. For instance, in 2019, the focus was on Children’s Literature, and Idada’s Boom Boom was recognised for its outstanding contribution to the genre.
The prize was established to restore Nigerian literature to its former glory, reminiscent of the era when Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. The aim was to ensure that Nigerian literature maintained its high standards and continued to positively shape global perceptions of the country. The organisers also sought to honour the legacies of renowned Nigerian writers such as Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri, Cyprian Ekwensi, Femi Osofisan, Gabriel Okara, Christopher Okigbo, Chukwuemeka Ike, and Flora Nwapa, whose works have had a profound impact on the literary world.
Since its inception, the prize has significantly benefited Nigerian writers, providing them with recognition, financial support, and opportunities for growth. The first award in the Children’s Literature category was given in 2007 to Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo and Mabel Segun, who jointly won with My Cousin Sammy and Readers’ Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People. These works showcased the diversity and richness of Nigerian children’s literature, encouraging other writers to explore this genre.
Mabel Segun, a grand matriarch of Nigerian literature, has had a long and distinguished career. She obtained a BA degree in English, Latin, and History from the University of Ibadan and rose to become Vice Principal at National Technical Teacher’s College, Yaba, Lagos, now Yaba College of Technology. Her first published book, “My Father’s Daughter,” came out in 1965. As a champion of children’s literature, she founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria (CLAN) in 1978 and the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre (CDRC) in 1990. She was also a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) alongside Chinua Achebe.
Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, the joint winner in 2007, currently chairs the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, a position she has held since 2018. She has played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the prize and ensuring its continued relevance. Prof. Ahmed Yerima, who won the drama prize in 2006 with Hard Ground, is also a member of the Advisory Board, alongside Prof. Olu Obafemi.
In 2011, Mai Nasara (real name – Adeleke Adeyemi) won the prize for his children’s book The Missing Clock. This story of a young boy’s inventive spirit and perseverance resonated with readers and highlighted the importance of creativity and resilience in children’s literature. However, the 2015 cycle for children’s literature proved problematic, as the prize was not awarded due to a lack of quality entries. This prompted the organisers to conduct a workshop aimed at improving the writing skills of authors in this genre. The workshop produced a slim but enriching volume on how to write for children, which helped mollify the disappointment of the literary community. The next cycle in 2019 saw Jude Idada win with Boom Boom, a touching story that resonated with both children and adults. Idada’s win demonstrated the potential for Nigerian children’s literature to achieve high standards and gain international recognition.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature has not only provided financial support and recognition to Nigerian writers but also fostered a culture of excellence and motivation. The prize has encouraged writers to hone their skills and produce high-quality work, thereby improving the overall standard of Nigerian literature. The benefits of the prize extend beyond the winners, as it has also positively impacted the entire literary ecosystem, including publishers, editors, and educators.
Moreover, the prize has helped to elevate the global profile of Nigerian literature. By recognising and celebrating outstanding works, The Nigeria Prize for Literature has ensured that Nigerian writers receive the attention and acclaim they deserve on the international stage. This has opened up new opportunities for Nigerian authors, including international publishing deals, translations, and invitations to literary festivals.
As The Nigeria Prize for Literature celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is clear that the prize has had a profound impact on Nigerian literature. It has provided a platform for writers to showcase their talents, inspired a new generation of authors, and ensured that Nigerian literature continues to thrive and evolve. As the literary community eagerly anticipates the announcement of this year’s winner, it is expected that The Nigeria Prize for Literature will continue to play a vital role in promoting and celebrating literary excellence in Nigeria for many years to come.
