Rainbow Book Club and NLNG Honour Nigerian Voices at 2025 Bookfest
Kathy Kyari
Nigerian storytelling took centre stage on Sunday as the Rainbow Book Club, in partnership with The Nigeria Prize for Literature sponsored by NLNG, hosted a virtual Bookfest in honour of the three authors shortlisted for the 2025 edition of the Prize.
The shortlisted novels—Sanya by Oyin Olugbile, The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma, and This Motherless Land by Nikki May were celebrated through captivating readings and conversations with their authors, offering audiences a glimpse into the works vying for Africa’s most prestigious literary award.
Speaking at the event, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, commended the writers for their exceptional contributions. She revealed that the three shortlisted titles emerged from a record 252 entries, underscoring the strength of Nigerian creativity.
“At NLNG, we are proud that The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to inspire excellence and spotlight Nigerian voices that speak to both local realities and universal human experiences,” Horsfall said. “Literature is more than art, it is a mirror that reflects who we are as a people and a compass that points us toward progress. Through this Prize, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while encouraging new generations of writers to dream, innovate, and inspire.”
Mrs. Koko Kolango, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Rainbow Book Club, described the collaboration with NLNG as vital in bridging the gap between writers and readers while deepening society’s appreciation of literature.
She added: “The award has inspired Nigerian writers both at home and abroad, contributing immensely to the nation’s knowledge economy.”
Kolango further noted that “the synergy between the Rainbow Book Club and NLNG is a welcome development, as the business of reading and writing requires a collective effort to thrive.”
This year’s prize spotlights Prose Fiction, with the winning entry set to be announced in October 2025.
Now in its 21st year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to rotate among four genres—Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature while inspiring excellence and shaping the country’s literary landscape.
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