The National Library of Nigeria has instituted two outstanding literary prizes for children Literature in Nigeria. They are The Nnamdi Azikiwe Prize for children’s literature in Eastern Nigeria, and The Obafemi Awolowo prize for children’s literature in Western Nigeria. The two prizes involve writing competition and the call for submissions, according to the National Library sources, starts now. The deadline for submission is December 30^th 2022.

The announcement for the winners will be done on Monday January 30^th, 2023. And the venue is indeed The National Library of Nigeria, Abuja. As it is the prizes attract a cash award of one million Naira each. In addition, the winning story will be duly published in children’s story format in Nigeria.

While it is noted that all the entries must be submitted via email: schoolofphonics@gmail.com or alphabeticco@gmial.com, some of the themes to be considered while writing the story includes: protection of human environment, insecurity, futuristic thinking peace, longevity, girl child education, science and technology, covid 19. Others are: children’s experiences in the lockdown, kidnapping, child abuse, child labour, scientific innovation and agriculture.

In all, children should avoid stories that are deemed hurtful, divisive or defamatory or discriminatory and some other negativity. As a form of clarification, the prizes are meant to honour these two personalities that helped to quicken Nigeria’s freedom from Britain. Also it is to see how children can experiment in fiction and thus enable Nigeria to celebrate and encourage them to go places now and in the future. The prizes will be judged by seasoned professionals in children’s literature. (The Nation)

Update news