CORA, NLNG Honour 2025 Longlist of 11 for The Nigeria Prize for Literature

L–R: Ayo Oyeku (Author, Petrichor), Amarachukwu Chimeka (moderator and Publisher, Purple Shelves Publishing), and Uwem Akpan (Author, New York, My Village) during an engaging fireside chat at the NLNG-sponsored 2025 CORA–The Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party on Sunday in Lagos.

 

It was all accolades and exhibitions of creative passion on Sunday, August 3 as Nigeria’s literary community burst into celebration as the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) hosted a vibrant book party in Lagos to honour the 11 authors longlisted for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature.

The event, a standout feature of Nigeria’s literary calendar, marked the first public appearance of the longlisted writers. Authors captivated attendees with engaging book readings and a thought-provoking panel discussion, connecting with the audience both physically and virtually. Writers, readers, critics, and literary enthusiasts thronged the venue, making it a true celebration of Nigerian storytelling.

This year’s longlist was distilled from 252 entries, carefully selected by a panel chaired by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of Kwara State University, alongside Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Mr. Olakunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club.

“The NLNG/CORA Book Party is a unique celebration that draws authors, journalists, and lovers of literature together in a way that brings excitement and visibility to Nigerian writing,” said Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, during her remarks.

Horsfall highlighted the transformative power of storytelling, saying:

“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 noted that the prize’s impact extends beyond the writers themselves, spurring improvements in editing, publishing, and the overall literary ecosystem, while helping stories that might otherwise remain unheard find a platform.

Toyin Akinosho, CORA’s Secretary-General, added his voice to the celebration, underscoring the importance of public literary events in connecting authors with their audiences:

“Spaces like this book party are vital for fostering meaningful dialogue and exploring the inspirations behind the writing. They keep Nigeria’s literary culture dynamic and alive.”

Now in its 21st year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, rotates annually among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. The prize is considered Africa’s richest literary award, offering a cash prize of $100,000 to the winner—an incentive that has elevated the standard of Nigerian literature and helped shine an international spotlight on local voices.

The anticipation now turns toward October, when the winner of the 2025 edition will be announced, crowning a new literary champion and continuing the prize’s legacy of celebrating Nigeria’s diverse storytelling heritage.

For book lovers and Nigerian literature aficionados, the Nigeria Prize for Literature has re-ignited the love for reading and an appreciation of the creative passion of Nigerian authors of whatever genre. Applause continues to trail NLNG for its consistent and ever increasing support for the literary excellence and indigenous authorship.