By Prisca Sam-Duru

The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature has announced a longlist of 11 books in contention for the 2024 prize, selected from a total of 163 entries. This year’s focus is on Children’s Literature.

Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the prize offers a cash award of $100,000.

On the longlist 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.

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.

The Chairman of the Panel of Judges, Professor Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, presented the list to the Advisory Board. Others on the panel are Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia.

In their report, the judges described the longlisted books as entries with profound narratives adding that the authors’ creative prowess highlights the vividness of the characters and stories.

Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairman of the Advisory Board, who made the announcement, commended the judges for their meticulous selection. She emphasised the importance of Children’s Literature in shaping young minds and 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 rotates yearly amongst four literary categories – prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.

A shortlist of three is expected in September. A winner, if any, will be announced by the Advisory Board in October.