In a powerful celebration of literary excellence, organisers honoured eleven authors longlisted for the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature in Lagos.

The event, tagged Book Party, brought together a vibrant gathering of Nigeria’s literary community, including writers, readers, and enthusiasts.

The Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), in conjunction with the Nigeria Prize for Literature, organised the celebration in a storytelling atmosphere.

Authors Engage in Readings and Discussions

The Book Party featured lively book readings and an engaging panel discussion. Authors participated both physically and virtually, further highlighting the wide-reaching impact of the event.

Prize Structure and Selection Process

Now in its 21st year, the Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to rotate annually among four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.

A panel of judges selected the longlist from a total of 252 entries. Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of Kwara State University chaired the panel, with Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Mr. Olakunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club, serving as members.

NLNG Affirms Commitment to Literary Excellence

Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, lauded the Book Party as a key moment in the run-up to the October winner announcement.

“The NLNG/CORA Book Party is a unique celebration, one that draws authors, journalists, and lovers of literature together in a way that brings excitement and visibility to Nigerian writing,” she said.

Stories That Power Hope

She further described the event as a testament to NLNG’s unwavering belief in Nigeria’s creative future. While the gas giant produces energy to power homes, it also firmly believes that stories power hope.

“In the past 20 years, the literature prize has ignited dreams, sharpened critical thinking, and inspired a new generation of Nigerian writers now stepping onto the global literary stage. The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to give visibility, validation, and encouragement to stories that might otherwise go unheard, reminding the world that Nigeria has voices that matter,” Horsfall added.

The Prize’s Broader Impact

She also highlighted the literary community’s growing anticipation ahead of the final announcement.

According to Horsfall, NLNG remains committed to promoting excellence through the Prize.

She noted that beyond celebrating writers, the Prize has helped elevate standards in editing, publishing, and the overall literary ecosystem in Nigeria.

Horsfall praised the shortlisted authors, affirming that their achievement serves as a source of pride for their families, the nation, and NLNG.

CORA Reaffirms the Need for Literary Dialogue

In his remarks, Toyin Akinosho, CORA Secretary-General, underscored the critical role public literary platforms play in fostering deeper engagement between writers and their audiences.

He emphasised the need for spaces where writers and readers can engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore the inspirations behind the writing.

According to him, such engagement remains crucial to sustaining a dynamic literary culture.

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