The winners have been announced for the first ever Imbube African Book Festival and Awards – a literary event aimed at drawing attention to the growing body of literary work coming out of the African continent while holding discussion on literary trends and publications.

The festival, which was held on Saturday 28th October, 2017, at the National Theatre, Igamnu, was attended by critically acclaimed writers, publishers, critics and journalists in the literary industry who shared their insights on the process of writing, publishing, piracy and digital distribution of books.

“This is our first move towards rewarding young people for their interest in writing and also starting up an important discussion on the role of books in our society,” said Silas Okwoche, founder and coordinator of the Imbube African Book Festival and Award. “we will build upon this and ensure that there is a diversity of voices in our literary space.”

The keynote speaker, Prof. Hope Eghagha, while delivering his address stated that “In the last few years, the young generation has become more interested in reading motivational/religious books than actual literature… there should be a balance. And festivals like this are a step in the right direction”

Winners of the writing competition were drawn from four different categories and they include: Benjamin Nwosu, Akandu Chinenye, Gertrude Uzon, Ochoche Elumah. The four winners will receive a N200,000 cash prize from the event organizers, Nerveflo.

In addition, Oyindamola Oluwashola Abbatty and Gideon Chukwuemeka Ogbonna won an Infinix Smart x5010 phone and the AfriVR virtual reality headset, respectively for winning the The Most Outstanding story (outside the top votes). The Imbube African Book Festival and Award is brought to you by NerveFlo – a unified digital content marketplace that allows African creators sell their ebooks/music/films directly to mobile & web consumers.

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