- Theme: “Redefining the Purpose, Process, and Role of Literary Awards in Creative Growth”
- Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
- Platform: Google Meet
- Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Moderator: Bentex Torlafia
1. Introduction
The August 2025 edition of the Writers’ Hub Monthly Panel Discussion focused on the role of literary awards in shaping creative growth, particularly in Nigeria. The session sought to examine the purpose of literary prizes, the credibility of award processes, and the broader impact awards have on writers and the literary ecosystem.
2. Attendance
The event recorded an impressive number of active participants throughout the session. Attendees included writers, scholars, literary enthusiasts, and members of the Writers’ Hub, and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). The audience actively engaged in the discussions through questions, comments, and chat interactions.
3. Panelists
Present and Active:
- Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi (President, ANA; Academic and Creative Writer)
- Denja Abdullahi (Former ANA President, Poet, Playwright, and Cultural Administrator)
- Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Award-Winning Novelist and Journalist)
Challenges:
- Professor E. E. Sule was unable to join the discussion due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Chief Patrick Oguejiofor experienced persistent network issues, which prevented him from continuing after his initial contribution.
4. Key Highlights of Discussion
1. Purpose of Literary Awards
Dr. Akanbi and Denja Abdullahi emphasised that prizes must go beyond recognition to serve as instruments of cultural preservation, identity building, and creative motivation.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim reflected on how prizes, while transformative, can also create pressures on writers to “maintain prize-level standards.”
2. Process and Credibility
Panelists underscored the need for transparent judging processes and fair jury practices.
The issue of inclusivity was raised, particularly regarding how grassroots and emerging writers can access major awards.
3. Role in Creative Growth
The conversation highlighted that awards should provide more sustainable benefits than monetary prizes, such as publishing opportunities, residencies, mentorships, and long-term career support.
Residencies like the Imodoye Writers’ Enclave were cited as models of how awards can extend their impact.
4. Challenges and Future Directions
Awards can unintentionally encourage conformity in writing styles and themes, as writers try to anticipate “what wins.”
The panelists proposed reforms including wider outreach to writers, government and cultural council support, and innovative partnerships with publishers and sponsors.
5. Audience Engagement
The session was lively and interactive, with participants contributing opinions in the chat and asking questions that enriched the discussion. Quick polls and prompts by the moderator encouraged active participation. Audience members particularly resonated with the need for inclusivity and sustainability in the award ecosystem.
6. Conclusion
Despite the absence of Prof. Sule and the connectivity challenges faced by Chief Patrick, the discussion was impactful and insightful. The panelists delivered thoughtful perspectives on redefining literary awards for long-term creative growth.
Key Takeaway: Literary prizes in Nigeria must evolve from being annual events that spotlight winners into institutional frameworks that nurture writers, strengthen publishing, and amplify diverse cultural narratives.
7. Recommendations
- Future editions should prioritise stronger technical support for panelists to avoid connectivity disruptions.
- Consider diversifying award discussions to include publishers, sponsors, and policymakers for broader reform perspectives.
- Maintain audience engagement tools such as polls, chat prompts, and open Q&A to sustain interactivity.
Bentex Torlafia,
Moderator
