Peter Ngene, Soji Cole and Professor Isidore Diala have emerged winners of the 2018 Nigeria Prize for Science, Literature and Literary Criticism respectively sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited.
A cash prize of $100,000 each was given in the prize for Science and Literature respectively while one million Naira was given for Literary criticism award.
The winners were announced by Ayo Banjo, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Literature, in Lagos.
According to Mr. Banjo, who is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, the genre for literature prize was ‘drama’, while the theme for the science prize was ‘Innovations in Electric Power Solutions’.
He said the awards were aimed at bringing Nigerian scientists and authors to public attention.
It is also meant to celebrate excellence in scientific breakthroughs and literary accomplishments in Nigeria.
According to Tony Attah, Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Limited:
“The Nigeria prize for science and literature has become a key event that brings professionals from all works of life to celebrate excellence in these fields.
The more science and literature are advanced, the more society grows in innovation, creativity and enlightenment which are the essential pillars of civilisation and human development.
No organisation can exist in a failed society, hence the need for instituting the significant prize for science and literature.”
Mr. Peter Ngene, the winner of the 2018 Nigeria prize for science, urged other stakeholders to invest more in scientific research in Nigeria.
Professor Isidore Diala appreciated his mentors for putting him through the right path of Literary Criticism. He also thanked the sponsors for finding him worthy of winning the award twice in a roll.
Also, Mr. Soji Cole, winner of the prize for Literature advised other young writers to embrace the spirit of hard work and determination.
The Advisory Board for Literature, which administer the award annually, consists of members of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Winners are announced in October, commemorating the first export of LNG cargo by NLNG on October 9, 1999.
At inception in 2004, the monetary reward was $20,000, which was increased in 2006 to $30,000.
