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)
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