The finalists are here: Nigerian Prize for Literature contenders are down to three

One of the finalists for the prize

Ifreke Inyang

The final shortlist of three for the 2011 Nigeria Prize for Literature has been announced. A statement issued by Ifeanyi Mbanefo on behalf of the organizers today, September 6, 2011, reveals that the initial shortlist of six released last month has further been thinned to three. The three finalists are ‘Eno’s Story’ by Ayodele Olofintuade, ‘The Missing Clock’ by Mai Nasara and ‘The Great Fall’ by Chinyere Obi-Obasi.

“The eventual winner of the competition will be announced on October 10, 2011 at a world press conference at Eko Hotel, Lagos. The winner of The Nigeria Prize for Science will also be announced at the same occasion,” the statement quotes Professor Ayo Banjo, chairman of the organizing board.

The statement also explains further some of the criteria employed in the thinning process.

“The children’s literature prize does not favour any genre – prose, poetry or drama; only good writing is rewarded. The prize sifts the huge array of children’s books which come out every four years, shortlisting only the outstanding entries,” a portion of the statement reads.

Past winners of the Nigeria Prize for Literature since its inception in 2004 included Gabriel Okara and Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto in 2004. Other past winners were Ahmed Yerima, Mabel Segun, Kaine Agary and Esiaba Irobi.

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