In a quite exciting virtual event, the Nigeria Prize for Literature literally showcased its penchant for dramatizing words with a presentation of the finalists and rendering of portions of the shortlisted books.
This was as the Rainbow Book Club, in partnership with The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, on Sunday hosted a virtual Bookfest to honour the three authors shortlisted for the 2025 edition of the Prize.
The three shortlisted novels; Sanya by Oyin Olugbile, The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma and This Motherless Land by Nikki May; were brought alive as attendees had an awesome time interacting with the writers, asking questions and looking behind the curtain at the creative process and motivations that inspired the novels.
In her remarks, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, congratulated the shortlisted authors and commended their outstanding contributions to Nigerian literature. She noted that the three works emerged as the finest from a record 252 entries, attesting to the depth of creativity and storytelling in Nigeria.
“At NLNG, we are proud that The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to inspire excellence and spotlight Nigerian voices that speak to both local realities and universal human experiences. Literature is more than art, it is a mirror that reflects who we are as a people and a compass that points us toward progress. Through this Prize, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while encouraging new generations of writers to dream, innovate, and inspire.”
In her speech, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kolango, praised the collaboration between the Club and The Nigeria Prize for Literature, noting that initiatives like the Bookfest help to bridge the gap between writers and readers, and foster deeper appreciation of literature in society.
She added that the award has inspired Nigerian writers both at home and abroad, contributing immensely to the nation’s knowledge economy. According to her, the synergy between the Rainbow Book Club and NLNG is a welcome development, as the business of reading and writing requires a collective effort to thrive.
This year, the Prize spotlights Prose Fiction, with the winning entry set to be announced in October 2025.
The Bookfest brought the shortlisted works to life through captivating readings and an engaging session with the authors.
Now in its 21st year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues its tradition of rotating annually among four genres: Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature.
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