The Nigeria Prize for Literature has announced its longlist of 11 books for the 2024 award, valued at $100,000. This year's focus is on children's literature, with 163 entries received.
The longlist was revealed by Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the prize advisory board, and Ahmed Yerima, a member of the board, in a video on NLNG's Instagram page.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG, aims to promote and reward excellence in writing. The award rotates among four literary categories and has been given since 2004 to honor Nigerian authors' literary achievements.
The longlisted books include "A Father's Pride" by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor, "Bode's Birthday Party" by Akanni Festus Olaniyi, and "Grandma and the Moon's Hidden Secret" by Jumoke Verissimo.
Others are "Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel" by Henry Akubuiro, "Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl" by Temiloluwa Adeshina, "The Children at the IDP Camp" by Olatunbosun Taofeek, and "The Magic Jalabiya" by Ayo Oyeku.
The list also includes "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.
A shortlist of three is expected in September, with the Advisory Board announcing the winner in October. Last year's winner was Obari Gomba, associate dean of humanities at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), for his play "Grit".