NLNG Nigerian Prize for Literature: “The Prize Is For You, But NOT YOU ALONE” Eriata Oribhabhor Advices.

Mr. Eriata Oribhabhor said on his Facebook page last week that he was already in a ‘celebratory mood’ because the prize celebrates poetry and the three shortlisted writers in the category for poetry are: Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Mr. Ikeogu Oke and Prof. Tanure Ojaide.

The brain behind Poetry in Nigeria (PIN) has however given his thought on what he believes would improve the prize, he said he wished the prize of USD$100,000 was to be shared among the three writers in the shortlist instead of the winners-takes-all situation.

“Don’t celebrate like the popular politician who forgets or denigrates his constituency and constituents” he added, advising the eventual winner to use the prize to lend support to poetry bodies in the country and also to consider using the money to print “thousands of copies” of the winning book to enable its availability for many people. Also, he suggested the winner to embark on book tours instead of adopting the popular ‘chop alone’ mantra.

Read Also: Commonwealth Short Story Prize, 2018.

However, former Abuja chapter chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Seyi Adigun argues that “prizes are meant to be won not to be shared”.

Though he agreed with the suggestions given by the poet on creative ways the prize money could be spent to further the development of literature and increase its appreciation in Nigeria.

Source: The Guardian.