People go to Africa and confirm what they already have in their heads and so they fail to see what is there in front of them—Chinua Achebe
An enduring believer in the idea that only Africans can effectively tell stories which relate to Africa, Chinua Achebe’s words highlight the need to encourage and celebrate the potent strides we make in scientific development and of course literature.
At this year’s Award Night ceremony which held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on 10th October, Nigeria LNG once again, kept faith with its commitment to helping provide an enabling environment for the development of science and literature in Nigeria.
Managing Director Nigeria LNG, Mr. Chima Ibeneche, in his welcome address, promised a history-making night and at the close of the event he had effectively delivered on it.
The press and all other company stakeholders were at hand to celebrate Professor Nok who lifted the trophy for the Science Prize for his work in developing a DNA-based vaccine for Trypanosomiasis popularly referred to as “sleeping sickness”.
The Literature Committee for the Nigeria Prize of Literature could not award the Literature Prize as none of the more than 160 entries submitted for the prize measured up to the standard for the award.
The prize money of $50,000 will instead be donated to the Nigerian Academy of Letters, to facilitate programmes that will advance the development of Nigerian Literature.
Other highlights of the event were the Ijodee dancers performing their popular “Olori-Oko” as well as other traditional dance displays.
Also thought-provoking was the keynote address delivered by the eloquent Ikemba Nnewi Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Guests were held spellbound as he provided a reasoned position on our existence as a united country.
For videos, photos and all other materials on the event please click on the links below
View photos from the event
Video on the winner of the 2009 Nigeria Prize for Science
Panel of Judges report for the Nigeria Prize for Literature
NLNG Magazine.
