Triple celebrations ring through the Nigeria LNG Limited as it marks 35 years of incorporation, 25 years of production and 20 years of The Nigeria Prizes for Literature and Science.
NLNG’s role is pivotal as one of the leading contributors to the Nigerian economy. The company’s forex earnings sustain the economy and underscore its robust corporate citizenship, a benchmark in Africa.
Because of NLNG, Bonny Island will soon be linked to the rest of Rivers State by road. It spread the good cheer to leading universities in the six political zones.
NLNG has transformed Bonny Island into a prime real estate outside the main cities, offering constant water, 24-hour electricity, scholarships for bright students, and skill acquisition and entrepreneurship schemes.
On Friday, 4 October, NLNG congratulated media stakeholders for supporting the Nigeria Prizes in Science and Literature and literary criticism.
It was a closely guarded secret until yesterday. I was glad to be involved in such a brilliant and optimistic venture.
Mrs Prisca Sam-Duru was amazed and stunned and could not muster her words for a while. The shy and reclusive lady held back tears of joy.
She won N5m for the NLNG One-Off Prize for the Voices of Impact behind the Nigeria Prizes. The Vanguard Arts Correspondent placed first in the contest.
She also received a new laptop, a plaque and other prizes.
NLNG recognised and celebrated four others: Mr Terh Agbedeh won for the most consistent, Gabriel Akinadewo for the most versatile, Mrs Chidinma Agwu for the most punctual, and Mr Sopuruchi Onwuka for the most engaging.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations & Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, stated that they organised the event to “celebrate the voices of impact” on the milestone of the prizes.
He told the media stakeholders: “In a world where information is abundant, it takes skill, passion, and integrity to distil the essence of our stories and share them with the public as you do.
Your insightful reporting has highlighted the significance of these awards and brought our country’s immense talent and creativity to the forefront. Through your work, you have amplified the voices of our literary giants and scientific innovators, making their contributions known far and wide.”
The Nigeria Prize Awards are scheduled for 11 October 2024. The Nigeria Prize for Science awards $100000 to the winner, as does The Nigeria Prize for Literature. The winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literacy Criticism takes home N1m.
Mr Odeh stated, “The Nigeria Prize for Literature, now in its 20th year, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for writers nationwide. It encourages the exploration of our rich cultural tapestry and fosters a spirit of creativity that resonates with generations. Your coverage of this Prize has helped to celebrate our storytellers, ensuring that their narratives reach audiences not only in Nigeria but around the globe. Today, we have 18 winners of the prizes from over 3,000 entries. Thank you for shining a light on the power of literature to inspire change and foster understanding.
“The Nigeria Prize for Science, also in its 20th year, recognises groundbreaking research and innovation that addresses some of our most pressing challenges. In an era where scientific advancement is crucial for sustainable development, your diligent reporting on this Prize has helped to showcase the vital work being done by our scientists. The science prize has recorded 19 winners over 20 years, from fewer entries than its Literature counterpart. It is worth mentioning that the Prize struggled between 2011 and 2016 when there was no winner for three years and a hiatus for another three years. Regardless of this difficulty, you continued to support the Prize and played an essential role in elevating the discourse around science and technology in Nigeria, encouraging collaboration and investment in these vital fields.”
On Friday, 4 October, all guests at the Marriot Hotel Ikeja GRA event received gifts of high-quality Nigerian wax prints and the communication tool of the age.
The Journalism Clinic founder Taiwo Obe, Radio Now owner Kadaria Ahmed and Chido Nwakanma worked with NLNG and their PR agency to gather clippings of their work. We did not call for entries, nor was it publicised.
Thus, the surprise.
