Etisalat prize celebrates richness of local literature
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – ORGANISERS are receiving entries for the 2016 edition of the Pan-African accolade, Etisalat Prize for Literature, which aims to celebrate the diversity of African literature.
A judging panel for the award has been confirmed in Lagos.
The panel comprises Nigerian novelist and poet, Helon Habila, as the Chair of Judges, South African writer and activist, Elinor Sisulu, and Ivorian writer, Edwige Rene Dro, as members.
The Chair of judges was present at the briefing as well as two of the Prize Patrons: renowned literary icon, Prof. Kole Omotoso, and awards-winning author, Dele Olojede.
Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said the Etisalat Prize, was designed to serve as a leading platform for the discovery and encouraging of creative writing talents as well as the celebration of literary arts by African writers.
“We are delighted to champion the cause for celebrating the richness and strength of African literature. Etisalat Prize for Literature is about discovering and bringing to the world stage the many creative talent Africa boasts of,” said Willsher.
“The Etisalat Prize is about creativity, excellence, empowerment and reward; it is about celebrating our African diversity in very innovative ways through various forms of art, literature being one of them.”
Only books by debutant writers published not later than 24 months before submission, will qualify for entry.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fiston Mwanza Mujila won the 2015 edition of the Prize with his novel, Tram 83.
– CAJ News
