NLNG Reaffirms Commitment to Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has reiterated its dedication to preserving the nation’s cultural heritage through its flagship initiative, The Nigeria Prize for Literature.

Speaking at a virtual Bookfest held in honour of the three authors shortlisted for the 2025 edition of the Prize, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, underscored the company’s continued support for Nigerian literature and cultural expression.

The event was hosted by the Rainbow Book Club, in partnership with The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which is sponsored by NLNG.

Celebrating Creativity and Storytelling

In her remarks, Horsfall congratulated the shortlisted authors for their remarkable contributions to Nigerian literature. She revealed that the three works were selected from a record-breaking 252 entries, a testament to the depth of creativity and storytelling within the country.

She stated:

“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. 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.”

The Shortlisted Works

The shortlisted novels for the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, in no particular order, are:

• Sanya by Oyin Olugbile

• The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma

• This Motherless Land by Nikki May

Strengthening Literary Collaboration

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kolango, praised the partnership with NLNG, describing the collaboration as a vital bridge between writers and readers.

She emphasized that initiatives such as the Bookfest not only deepen appreciation of literature but also inspire writers at home and abroad, enriching Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

According to her, “The business of reading and writing requires a collective effort to thrive, and the synergy between NLNG and the Rainbow Book Club is a welcome development.”

Looking Ahead

This year’s edition of the Prize focuses on Prose Fiction, with the winner set to be announced in October 2025.

Now in its 21st year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues its legacy of rotating annually among four genres: Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature.

The 2025 Bookfest brought the shortlisted works to life with captivating readings and an engaging interactive session with the authors, reaffirming the Prize’s role as a platform that elevates Nigerian voices on the global stage.