Four youngsters win Green Author Prize in Ibadan

Four young writers are the recipient of this year ‘Green Author Prize’ for poetry which entails getting a co-authored publishing contract. The award and co-authored  book titled "Verses from the Niger"  was unveiled and presented to Chika Jones Onwuasoanya (Imo), Ayomide Festus (Oyo), Vanger Fater (Benue) and Wazani Adamu Ijafaru (Adamawa) at the recent Words, […]

Four young writers are the recipient of this year ‘Green Author Prize’ for poetry which entails getting a co-authored publishing contract.

The award and co-authored  book titled "Verses from the Niger"  was unveiled and presented to Chika Jones Onwuasoanya (Imo), Ayomide Festus (Oyo), Vanger Fater (Benue) and Wazani Adamu Ijafaru (Adamawa) at the recent Words, Rhymes and Rhythm (WRR) Literary festival which took place at the University of Ibadan in Oyo state.

The 2015 Green Author Prize which was sponsored by WRR publishing and Caprecon development consult had earlier received entries of 15 poems each from unpublished writers under the age of 24.

One of the recipients Fater said "it is a platform to bring out the voices of some of  writers who despite talents, resources has hindered us from being recognized "

He enjoined  young writers with financial constraint to not relent but to look out for platforms like the Green author prize that will enable them get heard.

To  Onwuasoanya, another awardee,  said one of the challenges of hosting literary events lies with few audience but "like any form of expression poetry has its place in Nigeria."

To other young Nigerian writers Chika said they should enter competitions without looking down at any platform and be presents at literary gatherings.

Twenty two years old  Ayomide in his remark said  "Poetry is not well appreciated in Nigeria because people feel it is not something that you can make money from "

The organizers of the event explained that the prize was initiated in recognition of the need to give upcoming writers a chance to get heard.