Writer Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor has said that the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) deserves praises for sustaining the Nigeria Prize for Literature for 20 years.
The author, whose book A Father’s Pride made the shortlist for the 2024 edition, recalled in a recent interview with QEDNG in Lagos how many literary prizes have fizzled out but the NLNG prize has remained, with improvements over the years.
“So many literary prizes have come and gone. We’ve had the Etisalat Prize, Cadbury Prize for Poetry, so many prizes. In 2009, one of my books One Little Mosquito won ANA Atiku Abubakar Prize for Literature. That prize is no longer being sponsored by the originator. People and organisations get tired after some time but NLNG has stood the test of time which is a good thing.
“I give them a lot of accolades for that. They have been sustaining this prize for the past 20 years…and I pray they continue to do so.”
Chiazor-Enenmor’s novel explores the complexities of family relationships, cultural heritage and personal identity. It chronicles the life of Urenna, a young girl from a remote village who despite the challenges thrown at her, prevails to become a beacon of hope in the city.
Through Urenna’s story, the author sheds light on the importance of protecting children and promoting the Child’s Rights Act.
Chiazor-Enenmor expressed her excitement on making the shortlist in these words: “I feel so glad. To me, it’s like a validation of all the work I’ve been doing in the area of children’s literature for the past 18 years. It’s a huge recognition and accomplishment for me and I’m so grateful to God and to NLNG.”
In 2019, her book A Hero’s Welcome was longlisted for the NLNG literature prize.
She said A Father’s Pride is “special” because it took about five years to put it together. The writer said she was confident it would bring home the prize, describing it as “a total package”.
Chiazor-Enenmor noted that if she wins the prize it would boost her effort in child advocacy and book donations. She also said she would get herself “something nice” and help people around her.
The writer called for proper management of children’s screen time and social media presence.
She urged schools to look more at engaging children in issues around the environment like tree planting which is one of the themes in her book.
Chiazor-Enenmor holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a master of arts degree in English literature.
