The 15th CORA-Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party is set to take place on Sunday, August 17, 2024, at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos. This event celebrates the writers who have been longlisted for the 2024 edition of the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature (NLP), which is endowed and promoted by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG. The genre in focus for this edition is Children’s Literature, and the 11 longlisted authors have been selected from a pool of 163 entries.
The Book Party promises to be a literary feast of ideas and life, celebrating the authors and their works as some of the best in the country. The event will kick off at 1 pm prompt and will be held both in-person at the venue and virtually via Zoom. Additionally, the party will be broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, allowing a wider audience to participate in the celebration.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature was inaugurated in 2004 and has since become the biggest literary prize in Africa, with a prize money of $100,000. The CORA-Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party was initiated to create a platform for the public to engage with the works considered the best of the entries received for the NLP. This special iteration of the CORA Book Party aims to showcase the talent and creativity of Nigerian writers in the Children’s Literature genre.
Each of the 11 longlisted authors brings a unique perspective and storytelling style to the table. From Olubunmi Familoni’s heartwarming tale of resilience in „The Road Does Not End“ to Hyginus Ekwuazi’s exploration of religious and ethnic tensions in „The Third Side of a Coin,“ these stories promise to captivate readers of all ages. Other notable works include Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor’s „A Father’s Pride,“ Temiloluwa Adeshina’s „Risi Recycle – The DustBin Girl,“ and Ayo Oyeku’s „The Magic Jalabiya.“
The authors themselves are a diverse group, with backgrounds ranging from journalism to academia. Notable figures like Jumoke Verissimo, Anietie Usen, and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike have made significant contributions to the literary landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Their works have been recognized with awards and accolades, showcasing the depth of talent present in the Nigerian literary scene.
As the Book Party approaches, anticipation is high for an afternoon of literary feasting, featuring performances, discussions, and networking opportunities. The event will not only celebrate the longlisted authors but also shine a spotlight on the importance of Children’s Literature in shaping young minds and fostering a love of reading.
In conclusion, the 15th CORA-Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party is a celebration of creativity, talent, and storytelling. It brings together some of the best literary minds in Nigeria to showcase the power of words and imagination. Whether you’re a fan of Children’s Literature or simply appreciate a good story, this event is sure to be a memorable experience for all who attend.