In a fierce competition celebrating Nigerian children’s literature, authors Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo, Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike have emerged as the top contenders for the prestigious 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature, vying for a $100,000 award.
The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature announced the three finalists on Friday.
The shortlisted books are:
- A Father’s Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo
- The Road Does Not End by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi
- Wish Maker by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike
Selected from 163 entries, these works were chosen by a panel of judges led by Professor Saleh Abdu. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, carries a cash award of $100,000.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, said the selection prioritised excellence and recognised the prize’s impact on young Nigerians. Each book was praised for its unique storytelling and themes:
– Chiazor-Enenmo’s work explores complex family relationships.
– Olubunmi’s novel addresses child labour and resilience.
– Umezurike’s story combines suspense with moral lessons in a magical realist setting.
The winner will be announced on October 11, 2024. Professor Christopher Okemwa from Kisii University, Kenya, serves as the International Consultant for this year’s competition.
