#ETISALATPRIZE2014: ANGELIQUE KIDJO, WOLE SOYINKA, DAREY, NIKE OSHINOWO, KUNLE AFOLAYAN, MAI ATAFO, OTHERS STAND UP FOR ETISALAT PRIZE FOR LITERATURE WINNER, SONGEZIWE MAHLANGU (PHOTOS)

... As Angelique Kidjo, Wole Soyinka, Nike Oshinowo, Others Celebrate Winner. 

Lagos|Nigeria: South African author Songeziwe Mahlangu has been named winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature competition. 

The Cape Town resident won the prize for his stunning debut novel 'Penumbra,' a dystopic story of the life of an underachieving young man suffering from mental illness in post-apartheid South Africa. 

In an action-packed finale at Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos, the 30 year-old writer was named as the winner ahead of fellow South African Nadia Davids and Nigerian Chinelo Okparanta.

The CEO of Etisalat, Mathew Willsher, awarded him the sum of £15,000 and an engraved MontBlanc pen. In addition Songeziwe will attend the prestigious Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia where he will be mentored by Professor Giles Foden. 

A visibly emotional Mahlangu thanked his publisher and his mother for giving him a platform and believing in him. When asked what he would use the money for, he commented, "I will use this money to support myself for the next two years while I keep on writing." 

The 3 final shortlisted books, Penumbra, Happiness like Water and An Imperfect Blessing were brought to life with pulsating re enactments directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, one of the best directors in Nigeria with a string of successfully directed plays under her belt including the V- monologues. The re enactments were done by a crop of very talented Nigerian Actors led by OC Ukeje, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola and a team of very fantastic new actors.

Angelique Kidjo later closed the show with breathtaking performances of her all time-hit songs including Wobolombo, Agolo, Eva, Mama Africa among other hits. She also featured the Winner of the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol season 4 winner, Evelle who had earlier performed her hit song, Kilimanjaro.

Notable guests include renowned Nobel Prize for Literature winner, prof. Wole Soyinka, Hakeem Belo- Osagie, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors. Prof Remi Raji-Oyelade, poet and former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors, the Iyaoge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson, Odia Ofeimun, Award winning actor, Kunle Afolayan, Nike Oshinowo, Darey Art Alade and Kelechi Amadi-Obi. 

Other guests include Reze Bonna, Sam Onyemelukwe, Tolu Ogunlesi, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Bantu, Hauwa Mokan, Kemi Lala among many others. 

Mahlangu now joins Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo as the second winner of the annual pan African prize that promotes the work of published first time authors.

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“Meet me at the library!” – Praise, Inspiration & a Wole Soyinka endorsement as winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature is presented to the public

Last week, the Nigeria LNG Limited hosted the public presentation of the winner of the 2011 Nigeria Prize for Literature – Adeleke Adeyemi, who goes by the pen name Mai Nasara.

The event held at the Nigeria Institute for International Affairs (NIIA) and guests included the panel of judges which is chaired by Prof Emeritus Ayo Banjo, the managing director of the company Babs Omotowa, its general manager for external relations Siene Alwell-Brown and literary giants Prof. Wole Soyinka and Gabriel Okara.

The event kicked off with opening remarks by the managing director – who thanked the panel of judges for their diligent work in screening over a hundred books for the prize and gave a brief over view of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the company and its focus on the development of human potential in Nigeria through support for the Sciences and the Arts through the Nigeria Prize for Science and the Nigeria Prize for Literature.

“Development and a strong economy cannot be built without science and technology,” Mr. Omotowa said. “The company has strived to encourage Nigerian scientists to step up to the task of discovering things that will move the nation forward. In the same vein, the prize for literature strives to improve reading culture, broaden horizons, enrich the knowledge of the Nigerian people and to indigenous writers.”

The man of the moment was called on stage and formally introduced to the public – after which he presented prepared remarks. Titled “Meet me at the library”, Mai Nasara spoke about his numerous literary influences from Shakespeare to Achebe, and tipped his hat to how these have moulded his writing. He also thanked to the panel of judges that found his book worthy of the award, as well as the Nigeria LNG for its consistent support. “There is an urgent need to revamp our reading culture,” he said. “Especially for young ones – and that is why I am calling out to them to meet me at the library.”

He was joined on stage by former winner of the Nigerian Prize for Literature Dr. Gabirel Okara and Prof. Wole Soyinka who endorsed his book. The event was broadcast live on television as well as online on www.nlnglive.com and a recording of the event will be hosted on the site.

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The Return of Mai Nasara! Wole Soyinka & Gabriel Okara to join public presentation of Nigeria Prize for Literature winner on Monday

The 2011 winner for the Nigeria Prize for Literature Adeleke Adeyemi (pen name, Mai Nasara) returns to the country on Saturday February 3 after a brief sojourn in the United States. The now popular author won the prestigious Nigeria LNG-endowed award for his children’s novel ‘The Missing Clock’ in August. Mai Nasara returns as guest of honour at the public presentation of the winner of the prize, organised by the Nigeria LNG. The event holds at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos – and will be attended by leading lights of Nigerian literature, including the “father” of modern-day Nigerian poetry Gabriel Okara and Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka.

“Obviously I am delighted to be coming back home to engage with the public and the literary community,” Nasara said. “And I thank the Nigeria LNG for this honour and for this platform. I am looking forward to getting home on Saturday and discussing the prize and the book on Monday. This is a humbling experience for me.”

Starting from 126 submissions from Nigerian authors of children’s literature, ‘The Missing Clock’ made the shortlist, eventually beating an intimidating six of some of the best children’s authors in Africa. This shortlist included Ayodele Olofintuade and Chinyere Obi Obasi, and Nasara won the coveted $100, 000 cash prize.

The novel explores the reversal of fortunes for a Nigerian family and how they grew to overcome their circumstances. In an earlier interview, the author explained that he was inspired by the concept of a conservative traditional family. The author admonished families to work on their personal and family histories as the first step towards changing the world.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature is rated the 22nd most valuable in the world. It is endowed by the Nigeria LNG, which also awards the Nigeria Prize for Science annually. The event will be shown on Monday on NTA and AIT and will also be streamed online via www.nlnglive.com at 10am.

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Got a story to tell? Tell Ebi Akpeti.

Verbana Servicing Outfit, an upscale brand management and public relations outfit, is organizing a free creative writing interactive community as part of its empowerment CSR initiative, in partnership with various organizations, NGO’s and corporate bodies, with logistics support from Art World. The forum will be hosted by Ebi Akpeti, author “The Perfect church”.

The set goals and objectives is to develop the basic understanding of the literary genre, especially in the dynamics of plots, styles and theme, fiction or nonfiction, with an aim to “preserve Nigeria’s literary tradition which was made world famous by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri, Niyi Osundare, Chimamanda Adichie etc.

The series which is scheduled to take place on the 30th of July 2011 would be an avenue to address the creative writing challenges faced in Nigeria such as degenerating reading culture, plagiarism and poor copyright protection – all of which rob writers and artists of their benefits and several other challenges.

Various creative writing modules will be implemented at this workshop such as Narrative theory practice, Narratives from life, Individual writing project, reading and writing, discussion of creative writing process and the role of literature in the society and also be an opportunity to get published.

The work shop is a part of a developmental campaign that will be implemented across the nation to harness skills and potentials.
How to Register?

Send your name, age, phone number and a one page explanation about your motivation to attend the forum as well a short description of any story your currently working on, to GOTASTORY@EBIAKPETI.COM, not later than the 25th of July 2011.
About the host:

Ebi Akpeti is an alumnus of the Massachusetts institute of Technology (MIT) professional education. She has a master’s degree in Media and Communications from the Pan African University in Nigeria and also in Finance from the University of Calabar. Ebi has three novels to her credit and currently works in the corporate affairs department of one of Africa’s biggest banks

A 2006 nominee of the Capital Market Reporter of the prestigious Nigerian Media Merit Award NMMA Award, NMMA for her story "Trigger for Fraud", Ebi is also the author of "The Perfect Church which was recently adapted into a screen play by multiple award winning producer, Mr Wale Adenuga. The movie is reputed to be one of the most expensive movies in recent time showing all over Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Botswana. She is currently working on a fiction story on the indigenes and militancy in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria entitled "For the Sake of Peremoboere

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So You Think You Can Write? Toni Kan, Jeremy Weate and Muhtar Bakare Teach at The Future-Writers Workshop.

Toni Kan, Jeremy Weate and Muhtar Bakare Teach at The Future-Writers Workshop. Registration ends on Friday, June 3.

The Future Project presents an incredible opportunity to learn from the very best with the resumption of it’s The Future-Writers Workshop.

The workshop unarguably has the widest range in terms of curriculum content, active participation and a visible improvement in participant’s writing abilities.

The Writers Workshop’s faculty boasts of the very best at the art. Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor at Daily Independent Newspaper, Tunde Aladese TV Scriptwriter, Samson Adeoye (Ace Copywriter), Muhtar Bakare (Publisher, Farafina) and Jeremy Weate (Publisher, Cassava Republic) are just a few members of the faculty that also includes Professor Akachi Ezeigbo-Adimora and Dr. Reuben Abati.

Kenneth Oliko, the communications coordinator for The Future Project said “The trainings are a massive part of our work here at The Future Project. We intend to both capitalize on the success of The Future Awards and go beyond it to provide qualitative practical knowledge to enterprising young people all over the country”.

The workshops come subsidized at a flat rate of N5000. Payment is to be made into the RedSTRAT Communications Ltd, Bank PHB account with account number 104 0635 207. Please forward teller details including name and the date you paid to trainings@thefuturenigeria.com. Please keep your tellers; they will be needed to confirm payments.

Classes will hold on Saturdays starting the 28th May 2011 at The Future Project office 14 Shofidiya close, Off Ilesanmi Str, Off Adegoke Street, Masha, Surulere. All enquiries should go to trainings@thefuturenigeria.com or call 08055179159 or 08026202349.

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The Book Contest

THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO LAGOS RESIDENTS ONLY (4 Lucky Winners)

The official launching of two didactic books by one of Nigeria's youngest writer and poet Prince Modest

(" The Enslaved Virgin Girl and "The Philosophers Grief") is scheduled to hold on the 25th of March at Terra Kulture.

Renowned Poets,Writers, Authors, Publishers, Media Practitioners,Editors,Youth, Advocates, Teachers, Educationists,Students from both Secondary and Tertiary institutions, Representatives from Lagos State Ministry of women affairs, Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Ministry of Education are all expected to grace the occasion and encourage the young writer.

The event is strictly by invitation. OLAMILD ENT has been given four (4) invites and we are extending them to you.

To enter contest, you must

- Be a fan of Olamild Ent (facebook)

- Be a resident of Lagos.

- RSVP @ Modestus Diko Book Launch Group

- Tell us 4 books (written by an African author) you've read and what you liked about them. You may leave the comment underneath this post.

You win

- A free pass to the event.

- An autographed copy of one of the books being launched.

Four winners will be selected & announced on the 22nd of March. Spread the word!

The Enslaved Virgin Girl - is a book with great insight, set to reactivate in youth the blessedness of purity, the worth of the lady’s pride; virtues so long forgotten by many. It is a book which touches the lives of every young lady in order to carry on the legacy of pure wholesome living in our modern society.

The Philospher’s Grief – is a book which awakens our hearts, it helps us discover our purpose and potentials of life, cultivates our thoughts and feelings towards others, believing in our dreams, touching lives and inspiring others.

The enslaved virgin girl will be reviewed by Jennifer Ehidiamen(CP-Africa); the philosopher's grief will be reviewed by Chude Jideonwo (YNaija).

RELATED POST: RUBIES INK ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE BOOKS WRITTEN BY A YOUNG WRITER MODESTUS DIKO; "THE ENSLAVED VIRGIN GIRL" AND "THE PHILOSOPHER'S GRIEF" (ENDORSED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA AUTHORS AND PUBLISHED BU HYBUN PUBLICATIONS)

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MODESTUS DIKO LAUNCHES TWO BOOKS

RUBIES INK ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE BOOKS WRITTEN BY A YOUNG WRITER MODESTUS DIKO; "THE ENSLAVED VIRGIN GIRL" AND "THE PHILOSOPHER'S GRIEF" (ENDORSED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA AUTHORS AND PUBLISHED BU HYBUN PUBLICATIONS)

Modestus Diko is a Nigerian writer and a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. He attended Regent International School Lagos, Command Secondary School Ipaja Lagos, and Wimax Computer Institute Lagos. He is a young writer of purpose and immense potentials. He has written a vast number of yet unpublished stories, several published newspapers/magazine articles, scripts (stage performance) and two published books (The Philosopher’s Grief and The Enslaved Virgin Girl).

The Book Launch is an initiative of Rubies Ink Initiative , an organization responsible for organizing several development programmes for Students of Lagos State schools and the organizers of the annual Walk Against Rape Campiagn (W.A.R) and the annual mentorship programme; PROJECT CAPABLE which is proudly supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development

According to Esther Enitan Ijewere, The Executive Director of Rubies Ink Initiative; The purpose of the launch is to help publicize the books thereby making it a "must have" for young Nigerians as well as to impact them and promote the book reading culture, amongst the youths.The Book Launch is scheduled to hold on the 25th of March, 2011 in Lagos at Terra Kulture Victoria Island. Renowed Poets,Writers, Authors, Publishers, Media Practitioners,Editors,YouthnAdvocates, Teachers, Educationist,Students from both Secondary and Tertiary institutions, Representatives from Lagos State Ministry of women affairs, Minsitry of Youths and Social Development, Minsitry of Education are all expected to grace the occassion and encourage the young writer.

The Enslaved Virgin Girl was reviewed and commended by respectable Nigerian women like Dr. Mrs Ogunsanya (Counsellor/Lecturer), Tara Fela-Durotoye, Esther Ijewere (Walk Against Rape), Anthonia Njoku (Educationist), and Yeye Atunfese (Presenter of Heart to Heart on Eko89.5 FM).

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Geraldine Iheme Book Launch 'Disfigured Emotions'

Big Brother Housemate Geraldine Iheme officially launched her first novel ‘Disfigured Emotions’ held at the Oriental Victoria Island,29^th December 2010 amidst a lively sizeable audience.

Basket Mouth was on hand to compere the event. The book was preceded by a Red Carpet session in a cool breezy evening. Jacqueline Iheme was well grounded with the synopsis, a brief story and process of the book and the writer.

A happy mother, Mrs. Iheme took her turn to p

raise her loving daughter ‘ she reminds me of her late father’ asking for support from all for the book, as she was the first to launch the book on the night.

It was followed by review of the book by Mrs. Obasi.

The launch continued with support from Chief Emeka Etiaba, Chief Mrs. Nina Ekechi,Mrs. Ify Anasomu Akerele- DG Chamber of Shipping, as several support was welcome from the audience.

Mrs. Fisayo, Principal Christ the Cornerstone International School ( CTC), also rained praises on her

former student, as well support the book launch.

Just to make the audience feel the grips of the book, as several short verses were read by Doyin Fisayo, Odunayo Balogun and Mitchell Udeze.

It was the turn of Geraldine Iheme to speak about her book, according to her it took her three years to write the book. She decided to write it, because a lot of issues are not been talked about and it is hurting in every sense. In her words “it is a fiction novel, it’s in a world that exists only in my head”, as she invites everyone to come experience that world. To her her it’s a captivating and intriguing story of unspoken truth and a definite ‘must read’.

Fellow housemates from South Africa and Mozambique were present to give their own support.

The night was blended with comedy by Basket Mouth and Fx and musical performances by super vocalist Bez and sensational Modele and chike.

It was indeed a memorable evening, and a book launch experience that has never been experienced before.

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