Nigerian Prize for Literature Sets Benchmark for Literary Excellence, Says NLNG’s Sophia Horsfall

The NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations, Sophia Horsfall, has said the Nigerian Price for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has grown into one of the most prestigious awards in Africa, championing literary excellence and promoting Nigerian authors on the world stage.

Horsfall In an interview with Arise News on Wednesday,emphasised how the price aligns with the company’s broader vision of fostering creativity, intellectual growth, and national pride, while inspiring future generations of thinkers and innovators.

She highlighted the increasing interest the prizes have generated over the years, noting

“What we have found over the years is that there has been an increasing interest in these prizes, which are essentially to promote education, literacy, creative, and even intellectual achievement.”

Focusing on the Nigerian Price for Literature, Horsfall emphasised its global impact and contribution to showcasing Nigerian authors

“Specifically to the Nigerian Price for Literature, we have used that as a way to promote Nigerian authors, to showcase their work not just within Nigeria but to a global audience and to celebrate excellence.

“That’s why the over $100,000 price really adds to the prestige of the price, and it’s done remarkably in just growing the interest.”

Horsfall also pointed out the broader benefits of the initiative, saying “The initiative has also, quite aside from improving the levels of writing among Nigerian authors, helped with editing, proofreading, and even publishing. So, this price is just an embodiment of so much.”

Speaking passionately about the pride the organisation derives from the price, she remarked that “The Nigerian Price gives us so much pride as an organisation. For the fact that I say it gives me passionate priding rights, it’s wonderful.”

As NLNG celebrates 20 years of hosting the prizes, Horsfall hinted at plans to elevate their impact m, “As we celebrate this 20 years of our tradition with the prices, we are looking to elevate it.

“How can we make more impact in Nigeria and even globally? We want to have the prestige of the prize and global recognition of the price to increase.”

Drawing comparisons with other prestigious awards, she said,”Remember, it was much along the lines of the Booker Price and the Nobel Prize, distinctly recognising outstanding and exceptional performance.

“And it is for that reason we would continue to expand it, give it more global recognition. Platforms like this, it’s indeed the way that we do so. And we believe that the price would inspire another generation of thinkers, innovators, and creators. That’s what we see going forward in the years ahead.”

When asked about participation levels in the 2024 Nigerian Price for Literature, Horsfall reflected on the growing engagement.

“You know, when we instituted the prices, as I said, the vision was really to promote authors, promote craft as it was, even celebrate their excellence.”

She continued, emphasising the progress:

“We have seen the participation grow significantly, and even chatter grows about whenever there is an announcement in the various stages of what is our administration and adjudication process of the price.

“So, it’s impressive. We want to see more as we push for more global recognition. You will be sure to hear participation has significantly increased,” she concluded.

Boluwatife Enome

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