Young Nigerian Dominates In African Children’s Literature

The Golden Baobab Prizes for African Children’s literature, set up to celebrate and inspire the creation of enthralling African children’s stories, have announced the 2013 prize long list with seven Nigerians nominated  in different categories.

More inspiring is the fact that the youngest person on this list is 18-year-old Nigeria’s born Fego Martins Ahia (Ogenefego Ahia) who is not only the youngest on the long list, but also the only Nigerian in his category which is The Golden Baobab prize for rising writers.

See the names of other Nigerians on the long-list, after the cut...

Ayibu Makolo (the author’s pseudonym) – Madam’s Maid and the Little Yellow Frog

Ayibu is a medical doctor who presently lives in Scotland with her family.  She has been writing since she was a child but only began to make her work public this year. She enjoys reading classics and travelling around the world.

Philip Begho – The Princess with a Golden Voice and the Two-Headed Monster

Philip is an award-winning author who has published over a hundred books. He has worked as a journalist, a lawyer, a banker and a university lecturer, and has also engaged in film and theatrical productions. Philip now writes children’s stories fulltime.

Uchenna Edith -Susan – Christmas in Kemah’s Home Town

Uchenna is a freelance writer whose greatest passion is to inspire and empower the African mind through her writing. She is currently working on several chapters of books for children, as well as contributing articles to her favorite websites and blogs.

Nneoma Ike-Njoku – Elelenma

Nneoma’s decision to study Lieral Arts and Sciences at St John’s College in Santa Fe is the extension of a childhood desire to “know everything” that never disappeared.

Besides writing, Nneoma enjoys drawing, sculpting and attempting to cook. She loves food and travelling; she enjoys how a new place makes a person breathe somewhat differently.

‘Tunji Ajibade - In the End

‘Tunji is a Communications (Writing/Editing) Consultant, Literary Administrator and newspaper columnist. He lives in Abuja, Nigeria. ‘Tunji has published short stories, dramas and children stories – many of which have either won, or have been nominated for awards.

Olorunfunmi Temitope – Grandma’s Hens

Olorunfunmi is a graduate of Fine Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is the Lagos Liaison Officerof Life in My City Arts Festival. He writes poetry, short-stories and is presently working on his debut novel.

The Golden Baobab Prizes for literature has since its establishment in July 2008 inspired the creation of riveting African children’s stories by gifted African writers. The Prizes invite entries of unpublished stories written by African citizens irrespective of age, race, or country of origin. The Prizes are organized by Golden Baobab, a Ghana-based pan African social enterprise dedicated to supporting African writers and illustrators to create winning African children’s books.

The organization’s Advisory Board includes renowned authors Ama Ata Aidoo, Patrice Nganang, Jay Heale and Maya Ajmera.