By Damiete Braide
Nigeria’s literary sphere glowed with pride and celebration as the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, hosted a grand book party in Lagos over the weekend.
The occasion was held in honour of the 11 authors longlisted for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, the continent’s most prestigious literary prize. This annual gathering marked the first public appearance of the longlisted authors and served as a vibrant platform for book readings, panel discussions, and literary fellowship. Writers, readers, scholars, media professionals, and culture enthusiasts came together to celebrate the power of storytelling, the beauty of the written word, and the talent that continues to spring from Nigerian soil.
The longlist, chosen from 252 submissions, was announced by a distinguished panel of judges led by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of Kwara State University. The panel also included Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Mr. Olakunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club. The list represents a remarkable blend of emerging voices and established literary figures, united by their skill in crafting narratives that resonate with Nigerian and global audiences.
Delivering remarks at the event, Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the book party as one of the most significant literary events on the path to the prize’s final announcement in October.
“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,” Horsfall said. “While we produce energy to power homes, we also believe 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.”
She further emphasized NLNG’s longstanding commitment to promoting literary excellence and fostering a robust creative ecosystem in Nigeria. Beyond recognition, the Prize, she noted, has elevated standards in publishing, editing, and the overall literary culture in the country.
CORA’s Secretary-General, Toyin Akinosho, also underscored the value of such public literary platforms. He emphasized that engaging with readers in meaningful conversations was crucial to sustaining a vibrant literary culture and supporting the intellectual and emotional labor of writers.
As anticipation builds ahead of the $100,000 prize announcement, the authors were asked a question that every longlisted writer inevitably dreams of: What would you do with the prize money if you win?
Their responses were heartfelt, practical, and deeply personal, offering a glimpse into the lives, motivations, and aspirations of some of the most talented writers in Africa today.
Yewande Omotosho, author of An Unusual Grief, reflected on the financial realities of creative life. “I’ve always written because I must—not necessarily because I have time or financial space to do so. I work as an architect. Writing is something I do in the margins of life,” she said. “Winning this prize would put a huge smile on my face and make a real difference in my bank account. More than that, it’s wonderful to be part of an endeavour that acknowledges creative people and rewards them with a hefty cheque.”
Linda N. Masi, author of Fine Dream, shared that writing was her passion, but making a living from it in Nigeria remains a challenge. “This prize is the biggest in Nigeria and in Africa. It’s not just recognition, it would provide financial relief and help me reach people,” she said. Masi added that she plans to establish a non-governmental organization to support children who are internally displaced by insecurity and can’t afford education. “Regardless of whether I win or not, this is something I feel called to do.”
Michael Afenfa, whose novel Leave My Bones in Saskatoon made the list, has written consistently for many years, despite juggling four jobs. “It’s about time I felt what it’s like to win,” he said. “This would allow me to follow my passion more fully and invest in my writing and literary projects.”
Uwem Akpan, author of New York, My Village, used his moment to thank NLNG for their consistent support of literature. “Each year, you gather writers’ dreams and works. Some may criticize you, but the silent majority are deeply grateful,” he said. “Just being longlisted is a win. I’ve met writers I admire and who I hadn’t met before. If I win, it’ll only mean more visibility, and that’s invaluable.”
Ayo Oyeku, author of Petrichor, The Scent of a New Beginning, said the prize would not only honour his father, who encouraged him after he didn’t win last year, but also allow him to give back. “I want to use part of the money to support other writers, especially those who may never make it to a longlist,” he said.
Oyin Olugbile, author of Sanya, spoke from the perspective of a debut longlist. “Winning would mean sacrificing even more for literature,” she said. “I’d use the funds to support other aspiring writers so their works can be published and recognized.”
Chika Unigwe, author of The Middle Daughter, described being longlisted as a deeply validating moment. “Being chosen from 252 entries tells me that maybe I’m doing something right,” she said. “It gives me the motivation to keep writing.”
Chigozie Obioma, author of The Road to the Country, shared the emotional toll of writing and how meaningful the nomination was, especially coming from his home country. “Writing is agonizing,” he said. “This is my first nomination in Nigeria or Africa, and it means so much. Being in the company of other great writers in such an intimate setting is truly rewarding.”
Nikki May, author of This Motherless Land, took a more lighthearted approach. “I already feel like I’ve won because this experience has motivated me to write my third book,” she said with a smile. “But if I did win, I’d go shopping for some really expensive African dresses, and of course, do some good deeds.”
Chioma Okereke, author of Water Baby, echoed the sentiment of validation. “Just making it to the longlist has been an honour. But being at the book party and receiving direct feedback from readers is even more exciting. This is the kind of engagement authors live for,” she said.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, author of When We Were Fireflies, spoke about the emotional investment his book demanded and the joy of seeing it acknowledged. “Being longlisted brings the spotlight to my book and the work other writers are doing,” he said. “Winning would be magnificent, especially for my mother, who would feel reassured that her son didn’t waste his time becoming a writer. I’ll also continue supporting other writers as I’ve always done.”
As The Nigeria Prize for Literature marks its 21st year, it continues to rotate among four genres, prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. The 2025 edition, focusing on prose fiction, has reaffirmed the Prize’s status not only as a reward for excellence, but as a catalyst for storytelling, national pride, and cultural transformation.
With the final announcement drawing closer, Nigeria and the global literary community now turn their attention to October, waiting to see who among these 11 gifted storytellers will emerge as the 2025 laureate.
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