When people think of book parties they think of quiet nights curled on a sofa, however this year Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas company (NLNG) brought a much livelier energy to their book party with excerpt readings, discussion panels, heartfelt speeches, traditional music, and dance performances! With a “winner takes all” prize of  $100,000, the Nigeria Prize For Literature is one of the largest and most competitive awards globally. The NPL rotates yearly among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. This year the focus was children’s literature.

On August 17, guests came to Lagos from all around Africa and beyond to celebrate the 11 authors whose books were longlisted for the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature. This prize has been awarded annually since 2004, and brings NLNG, the sponsor of the prize, together with the literary community to celebrate excellence, creativity, and promote outstanding Nigerian books to the world. 

The goal of Nigeria Prize for Literature is to shape Nigerians’ national identity and allow them to have access to award-winning books written by Nigerian authors in their formative years and beyond. The Nigeria Prize for Literature aims to bring Nigerian authors to public attention and celebrate literary craftsmanship in the nation. This book party was an event to unite authors, journalists, and literature enthusiasts, to all celebrate the joy of books and their creators. 

Writing wasn’t the only Nigerian culture highlighted at the book party – there was traditional music and dance alongside readings, reviews, and panels following the longlisted authors. Given that this year’s focus is children’s literature, the event was made especially available and enjoyable for its target audience. There was a children’s dance performance, which was a beautiful reminder of the power of tradition and community. Children from different backgrounds came together to share their love for reading by reading excerpts from the longlisted books! There also was a panel session with the authors to uncover their inspiration, writing process, and journeys to getting here.

This year’s edition celebrated the 11 authors longlisted for the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature in the Children’s Literature category:

  • A Father’s Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo
  • Bode’s Birthday Party by Akanni Festus Olaniyi
  • Grandma and the Moon’s Hidden Secret by Jumoke Verissimo
  • Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel by Henry Akubuiro
  • Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl by Temiloluwa Adeshina
  • The Children at the IDP Camp by Olatunbosun Taofeek
  • The Magic Jalabiya by Ayo Adeliyi Oyeku
  • The Road Does Not End by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi
  • The Third Side of a Coin by Hyginus Ekwuazi
  • Village Boy by Anietie Usen
  • Wish Maker by Uchechkwu Peter Umezurike

If you want to read our coverage of the longlist, check it out here!

A shortlist of three contenders will be announced in September, and the ultimate winner will be revealed in October by the Advisory Board chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo. 

Check out the amazing photos from this fun event below! All photos come from the Nigeria Prize for Literature’s Facebook page.