FG called to promote reading and writing as Book Party features NLNG Prize finalists

The Nigerian Government has been urged to create the conducive environment for the thriving of the book industry, to encourage those that have passion in writing and to spur younger ones to develop interest in reading and writing.

Eresia-Eke

This was the call of three female writers, who were among 11 finalists in the NLNG Prize for Literature, that were featured in a book party in Lagos.

The finalists whose books have already attracted international recognition said government can assist the industry by promoting reading and writing in the country, as well as provide the technology that makes the publishing of books less expensive as it is in many climes.

They also called on multinational companies to start using writers as brand ambassadors, the way they use actors, musicians, comedians, footballers.

The three writers that made it to the event in Lagos are Maryam from the northern part of the country, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi and Aramide Segun both from the South Western part of the country.

This year’s contest was like ladies’ affair as 8 out of the 11 finalists pruned down from a total of 173 entries were women.

Also, over 60 percent of the authors that made it to the final are based abroad.

In a conversation via Skype the finalists said it is easier for them overseas as they have constant power supply to write at any time, while cost of publishing books is also cheaper over there.

The General Manager External Relations of the NLNG Dr. Kudo

Eresia-Eke said the content and quality of entries received this year were of very high standard compared to previous years, which is a plus to the country’s educational system.

Dr. Eresia-Eke also said that the coming of the NLNG was a blessing to Nigeria, because the company has helped the country to cut gas flaring from 60percent of total gas produced to 20 percent, thus gradually checking the alarming pollution in the Niger Delta region.

The book party was jointly organized by the Committee for Relevant Arts, (Cora) and the NLNG.

The winner of the NLNG prize from the list of 11 finalists will be announced sometime in October this year.

The 11 finalists and their entries;

Chika Unigwe (winner of the prize in 2012): Night Dancer (2014).

Ogochukwu Promise (author of over fifteen novels): Sorrow’s Joy

Yejide Kilanko (a writer of poetry and fiction): Daughters Who Walk This Path.

Ifeoma Okoye (a writer and author of children’s literature): The Fourth World

Sefi Atta (author of Everything Good Will Come): A Bit of Difference

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (writer and journalist): Season of Crimson Blossoms

Ifeoluwa Adeniyi (radio broadcaster): On the Bank of the River

Elnathan John (lawyer and writer): Born On A Tuesday

Aramide Segun (winner of an ANA Prose Prize): Eniitan Daughter of Destiny

Maryam Awaisu (radio presenter): Burning Bright

Mansim Chumah Okafor (author of two previous books of fiction): The Parable of the Lost Shepherds

According to the Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, led by Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, the award for this year’s Literature Prize for Prose Fiction,is worth $100,000.