Thursday 18 September 2014

Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature
The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature are Nigerian science and literary awards presented annually since 2004. The award is sponsored by Nigeria LNG in partnership with the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Nigerian Academy of Letters. The prize describes itself as "bringing Nigerian scientists and authors to public attention and celebrating excellence in scientific breakthroughs and literary craftsmanship in the nation.”
The Prize for Literature rotates among four genres - Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children's literature.
The Prize was initially $20,000 each in Literature and Science. This was increased to $30,000 in 2006, and again to $50,000 in 2008. In 2011 the prize was increased to $100,000, making it the largest African literary prize and one of the richest literary prizes in the world.
In 2009 the Literature Committee could not decide on a winner and the prize money was given to the Nigerian Academy of Letters instead.
Year
Prize $ in each category
Literature
Science
Ref(s)
2013
100,000
Tade Ipadeola, The Sahara Testaments
None
2012
100,000
Chika Unigwe, On Black Sisters' Street
None
2011
100,000
Adeleke Adeyemi (Mai Nasara), The Missing Clock
None
2010
50,000
Esiaba Irobi, Cemetery Road
Akaehomen Ibhadode, for Development of New Methods for Precision Die Design
2009
50,000
None
Andrew Jonathan Nok, for discovery of the gene responsible for the creation of Sialidase
2008
50,000
Kaine Agary, Yellow Yellow
Ebenezer Meshida, for Solution to Road Pavement Destabilisation by the Invention of 'Lateralite': A Stabilisation Flux for Fine Grained Lateritic Soils
2007
30,000
Mabel Segun, Readers' Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People
Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo,
 My Cousin Sammy
None
2006
30,000
Ahmed Yerima, Hard Ground
Michael Adikwu, for Wound Healing Devices (Formulations) Containing Snail Mucin
2005
20,000
Gabriel Okara, The Dreamer: His Vision
Ezenwa Ohaeto,
 Chants of a Minstrel
None
2004
20,000
None
Alfred Susu & Kingsley Abhulimen, for Real-Time Computer Assisted Leak Detection/Location Reporting and Inventory Loss Monitoring System

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Trio jostle for Nigeria’s biggest literature prize

Trio jostle for Nigeria’s biggest literature prize
October 9 can’t come soon enough for Professor Sam Ukala, Jude Idada and Frida Abba shortlisted for this year’s The Nigeria Prize for Literature.
TWO Nigerians resident in the country and another living in Canada are in contention for this year’s The Nigeria Prize for Literature.
Canada-based writer and filmmaker, Jude Idada is locked in a three way battle for the $100,000 prize sponsored by the Nigeria LNG Limited with eminent academic and playwright,  Professor Sam Ukala and Kaduna-based writer and freelance journalist, Friday John Abba.
The trio made the final shortlist with their works, ‘Oduduwa, King of the Edos’, ‘Iredi War’ and ‘Alekwu Night Dance.’
A statement signed by Kudo Eresia-Eke, Manager, External Relations of the NLNG disclosed that the writers made the final cut from a long list of 11 released in July.
214 entries were initially received for the competition being awarded for drama and judged by theatre scholars, Professors Charity Angya, Ahmed Yerima and Akanji Nasiru.
Angya, Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University, Makurdi chaired the jury.
Abba, a playwright was chair, Kaduna Writers’ League and former vice chair of the Kaduna State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Playwright, theatre director, film producer and academic, Ukala was the chair, Delta State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) while Idada, a screen writer, filmmaker and dramatist, has published works in the three genres of literature. He is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan.
Chair, Advisory Board of the Literature Prize, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, disclosed that the winner will be announced at a world press conference on October 9.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature. Next year’s prize will be for children’s literature.

Adapted from NIGERIAN TRIBUNE (Nigeria’s Most Informative Newspaper)

NIGERIA'S PRIZES FOR SCIENCE AND LITERATURE... TOYIN BROWN

Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature
The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature are Nigerian science and literary awards presented annually since 2004. The award is sponsored by Nigeria LNG in partnership with the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Nigerian Academy of Letters. The prize describes itself as "bringing Nigerian scientists and authors to public attention and celebrating excellence in scientific breakthroughs and literary craftsmanship in the nation.”
The Prize for Literature rotates among four genres - Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children's literature.
The Prize was initially $20,000 each in Literature and Science. This was increased to $30,000 in 2006, and again to $50,000 in 2008. In 2011 the prize was increased to $100,000, making it the largest African literary prize and one of the richest literary prizes in the world.
In 2009 the Literature Committee could not decide on a winner and the prize money was given to the Nigerian Academy of Letters instead.
Year
Prize $ in each category
Literature
Science
Ref(s)
2013
100,000
Tade Ipadeola, The Sahara Testaments
None
2012
100,000
Chika Unigwe, On Black Sisters' Street
None
2011
100,000
Adeleke Adeyemi (Mai Nasara), The Missing Clock
None
2010
50,000
Esiaba Irobi, Cemetery Road
Akaehomen Ibhadode, for Development of New Methods for Precision Die Design
2009
50,000
None
Andrew Jonathan Nok, for discovery of the gene responsible for the creation of Sialidase
2008
50,000
Kaine Agary, Yellow Yellow
Ebenezer Meshida, for Solution to Road Pavement Destabilisation by the Invention of 'Lateralite': A Stabilisation Flux for Fine Grained Lateritic Soils
2007
30,000
Mabel Segun, Readers' Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People
Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo,
 My Cousin Sammy
None
2006
30,000
Ahmed Yerima, Hard Ground
Michael Adikwu, for Wound Healing Devices (Formulations) Containing Snail Mucin
2005
20,000
Gabriel Okara, The Dreamer: His Vision
Ezenwa Ohaeto,
 Chants of a Minstrel
None
2004
20,000
None
Alfred Susu & Kingsley Abhulimen, for Real-Time Computer Assisted Leak Detection/Location Reporting and Inventory Loss Monitoring System

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


BEST OF NIGERIA'S LITERARY ADAPTATIONS INTO MOVIES

Best of Nigeria’s literary adaptations into movies
A great source of story lines for the big screen, literary adaptations for movies is a goldmine many movie makers in Nigeria are yet to tap into. Unlike in Hollywood, where movies such as Harry Porter, The Lord of the Rings, The Godfather and so many other blockbusters were adapted from novels, only few producers in Nigeria know about this unique connection. Doyin Adeoye writes on some of the achievements of the literary works adapted into movies in the Nigerian film industry.
Half of a Yellow Sun
The second novel to be written by author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun was published in 2006 and since then, it has gained an international recognition. The 488-page book tells the story of the Biafran War in such an astonishing way that it earned the writer the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction, an award given annually for the best original full-length novel written by a woman in English.
Produced by Andrea Calderwood, the film adaptation which was announced in 2008, was playwright and directed by Biyi Bandele and with the same title, the film starred actors like Chiwetel Ejoifor, Genevieve Nnaji, Oc Ukeje, Onyeka Onwenu, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Thandie Newton and others. The film was premiered at the Toronto Film International Festival last year and despite the initial issues surrounding in Nigeria, the film is set to be premiered soon.
Oleku
For anyone who had read Professor Akinwumi Isola’s novel; Oleku, which was published in 1974, they would admit that the film adaptation, also with the same title and produced by veteran filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, did justice to the plots, storyline and comical relief the novel portrayed.
Set in the city of Ibadan, the film adaptation tells the story from the oldies, portraying Yemi Shodimu as Ajani, a final year student of the University of Ibadan, who is on a quest for a wife.
Widely accepted by many for its comic relief and role interpretations by the actors, it was a movie that gave many new generation youths the opportunity to connect with the past, while the older ones had a good laugh remembering the good old days.
Things Fall Apart
It would come as a surprise if no one had ever tapped into the beautiful works of prestigious writer, the late Chinua Achebe. Things Fall Apart, which was published in 1958. the novel talks about the colonial nations of Africa. And the book with its sequel; No Longer At Ease, which was published in 1960, were made into a movie title Bullfrog In The Sun in 1972.
Directed by West German, Hansjurgen Pohland and co-produced by Francis Oladele, the film was a combination of Nigerian, West German and American production. Following the same storyline, Bullfrog In The Sun featured the likes of Uganda’s Elizabeth Toro and Senegalese/British actor, Johnny Sekka, among others. The movie was later distributed as Things Fall Apart. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), also adapted Things Fall Apart into a 13-epsiode TV series in 1986.
Kongi’s Harvest
A classic from Wole Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, the play, Kongi’s Harvest was published in 1965 and premiered in Dakar, Senegal at the First Negro Arts Festival in April 1966.
The book is based on the story of President Kongi, a dictator of an African nation, who is trying to modernise his nation. The film adaptation was made in 1973 in the same name, and it was directed by American Ossie Davis, while Wole Soyinka himself starred in the leading role; King Kongi. The movie was shot in Nigeria, and it also featured the likes of Rasidi Onikoyi, Orlando Martins, Femi Johnson and Nina Baden-Semper, among others.
Kuye
For those who schooled in the late 1960s into the early 70s, the book, which was written by Joseph Folahan Odunjo was one many of them, if not all, can vividly recall the details the storyline portrays.
From the author of the Alawiye series, Kuye has been performed on many stages that one could not begin to count. The book was adapted into a play which was aired on the TV network back in the 70s and of recently, there have been different interpretations from different filmmakers.
Dazzling mirage
The third Main Frame Films on the list, Tunde Kelani is probably the only Nigerian film maker than appreciates the beauty of literary works and expresses it through the film productions.
His other adaptations include the likes of Koseegbe, Thunderbolt (Magun), The Narrow Path, The White Handkerchief and others.
Dazzling mirage was written by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare in 2007 and adapted for the screen by Ade Solanke For Main Frame Films. Just like the novel, the film portrays a young lady suffering from the Sickle Cell disease, but despite the societal stigma, she strives to be successful in the society as a mother as well as a wife.
The trailer for the movie which featured the likes of Kunle Afolayan, Tosin Bucknor, Ajayi Lycett, Bimbo Manuel and others, was recently released and the full movie is expected to be premiered later in the years.
The Perfect Church
Produced by Wale Adenuga Productions in 2011, the movie just like the book also titled, “The Perfect Church”, preaches that it is never too late for anyone to repent and be saved. Written by Ebi Akpeti in 2010, the film adaptation was interpreted by the likes of Ramsey Noah, who played a pastor, Funke Akindele as the choir leader and Olu Jacobs as a bishop.
Directed by Bimbo Adebajo, The Perfect Church tells the story of a church with perfect reputation and holy people with unholy secrets. It premiered at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos in 2011. 

Adapted from The Nigerian Tribune (Nigeria’s Most Informative Newspaper)

Sunday 16 June 2013

HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL CREATIVE WRITER By TOYIN BROWN

HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL CREATIVE WRITER
No doubt that a lot of people have been asking so many questions on how they can become creative writers. Many too have consulted a lot of books and articles in prints and online to help improve on their skills as creative writers. The truth is that there is no magic in it. The fact that people are writing does not make their works creative. Some works are written because the writers just want to write and someone who is endowed with the special gift of writing should be able to discern between the works that are creatively written and the ones that are “just there”.
In this article, I will take you through some of the simple steps of becoming a successful creative writer and if you are naturally endowed with the act of creativity, this article will also help you to improve on your skills and become more active in your talent than anyone else.
Now, I will take you through the dos and then the don’ts of creative writing. We will start with the dos and then the don’ts.
THE DOS
Ø To be a creative writer, you must be ready to write at all times. One may wonder why this has to be the first. Yes, you must be ready with your pen and paper wherever you go. It does not matter what your business in a particular place is and what you are doing at a particular point in time. Always be ready to write at all times.
Ø Be sensitive to your environment. Observation is one of the major keys to an inspired writing. Be observant in your environment. Physically, what do you see? Be sensitive, in what way has the condition of the physical environment affected the inhabitants? Feel it within you, put yourself in another person’s shoes, and let your emotions make your fingers move to write.
Ø Read wide. Expand your knowledge and interests. You must not be a scientist to write about science, you must not be a feminist to write about the plight of women in the society where you come from, you must not be Marxist to talk about how social class system has affected the society, you must not be a politician to write on how to be a better leader and an obedient follower. All these depend on how wide you read.
Ø Enjoy what you read from others. This is closely related to the third point above. Do not just read because you want to be a good writer tomorrow, but read because you enjoy reading. This will unconsciously develop your skills both in writing and in reading.
Ø Always listen to the still small voice within. Yes, this is what is referred to as the muse. When it comes, be ready to listen and follow the prompt to write. This will make up your inspiration.
Ø Talk less and listen more. It will be very important to point out that a talkative cannot make a good creative writer. One who listens more to people will always catch a life experience and a character to write about.
Ø Be active. Do your exercises, eat healthy and stay healthy all the times. A sick body lacks inspiration and the right frame of mind to create.
Ø Learn new words every day. Develop your vocabulary. It does not necessary mean big and ambiguous words; simple words can make your work unique and easy to comprehend.
Ø Be yourself. Copying from other people’s inspirations will not only make your own work an imitation but will also make you a copycat. Note that you are reading other people’s work to improve on your skills, not to copy from them.
Ø Be conscious of your own style in writing. Most times creative writers are basically identified by their unique styles in writing. Develop yours; it will make your work stand out among others.
Ø Reflect soberly on all your encounters during the day and if you are one who loves to write at nights I am sure your inspiration will flow better after a sober reflection.
Ø Identify your major source(s) of inspiration. When you check through the biographies of some great writers you will be surprised to discover that they have one source of inspiration or the other. So to be a successful creative writer, identify those things that always push you to write.
Ø Lastly on this, be focused. Whatever creative work you intend to start, be determined to finish it no matter how much time you think it will take. The truth is that when you enjoy what you do, you will finish it up in no time.
THE DON’TS
Ø Do not mix creativity with laziness and leisure. Writing is not what you do when you are tired or lazy to do other works at home or in the office. It is what you do when you are fully active and with the right frame of mind.
Ø Do not write because your friends are writing. It is very wrong to write because you see people do, this is when yours will become boring and will definitely lack the necessary ingredients to make it what it should be.
Ø Do not write just to make money. Writing is not for profit purposes. The reasons most creative writers sell their books are to spread their ideas to others to learn from and to cover the cost of production, not for getting rich. So it is erroneous to write for profit purposes.
Ø Do not talk too much while writing; it will make you lose focus and interest in your work.
Ø After you produce your first work, do not relax because more works are expected of you in time to come.
Ø Do not even start when you know deep down in your heart that you will not be able to end.
Ø Do not leave your work unfinished for a very long time. Be sure that you will lose the inspiration and it will become uninteresting to continue.
Ø Finally, do not consider your background and your career as hindrances to your being what you want to be. A creative writer must first create a suitable background for himself/herself and also make space for his creative abilities to take charge.

With all these, you see how easy it is to become a creative writer. In all, be sure of what you wanted and then know how to go about getting it for yourself. Write to change the society, write to impact knowledge, write to elevate people from their present conditions, write to create hope for freedom to those whose mentality are enslaved over time, write to keep everyone around you happy, write to reach out to the other parts of the world, write to liberate yourself from same situations, keep writing. Allow yourself to be inspired at all times. Before you know it, you would have become a good creative writer and you will be happy you wrote in the first place. Cheers!