ELEVEN books have been longlisted out of 163 entries for the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature.
The books hoping to make the final shortlist of three for the prize worth $100,000 are ‘A Father’s Pride’ by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo, ‘Bode’s Birthday Party’ by Akanni Festus Olaniyi, ‘Grandma and The Moon’s Hidden Secret’ by Jumoke Verissimo, ‘Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel’ by Henry Akubuiro and ‘Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl’ by Temiloluwa Adeshina.
The others are ‘The Children at The IDP Camp’ by Olatunbosun Taofeek, ‘The Magic Jalabiya’ by Ayo Adeliyi Oyeku, ‘The Road Does Not End’ by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi, ‘The Third Side of A Coin’ by Hyginus Ekwuazi, ‘Village Boy’ by Anietie Usen and ‘Wish Maker’ by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike.
Jury chair Professor Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, presented the list to the Advisory Board. Other jurors are Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia.
The judges described the longlisted books as entries with profound narratives and the authors’ creative prowess, highlighting the vividness of the characters and stories.
Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, accepted the longlist, commending the judges for their meticulous selection.
She emphasised the importance of Children’s Literature in shaping young minds. Professor Ezeigbo stressed the need for quality and relevance in the literature that children are exposed to.
She noted that the subject matter in Children’s Literature must resonate with the future.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), rotates yearly amongst four literary categories – prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.
A shortlist of three will be unveiled in September, while the winner will be announced in October.
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