Nigeria’s literary community gathered in Lagos over the weekend as the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), in partnership with The Nigeria Prize for Literature , hosted a lively book party celebrating the 11 authors longlisted for the 2025 edition of the prestigious award.
It was the first public appearance for the shortlisted writers, who read excerpts from their works and joined an engaging panel discussion—some in person, others virtually. The event drew writers, readers, literary enthusiasts, and media professionals in a vibrant showcase of Nigerian storytelling.
Selected from 252 submissions, the longlist was chosen by a judging panel chaired by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of Kwara State University, alongside Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Olakunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club.
Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the NLNG/CORA Book Party as one of the standout events ahead of the October announcement of the winner.
“While we produce energy to power homes, we also believe stories power hope,” she said, adding that the prize, now in its 21st year, has inspired new generations of Nigerian writers and elevated standards in publishing.
CORA’s Secretary-General, Toyin Akinosho, stressed the importance of public literary platforms in connecting authors with audiences and sustaining a dynamic reading culture.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which rotates annually between prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature, remains one of Africa’s most valuable literary awards.
