Dappy's Blog: Etisalat Nigeria launches first Pan-African Prize for Literature Project

From keeping you talking on your mobile phones, telecommunications provider Etisalat Nigeria is now talking books with the recent launch of the Etisalat Prize for Innovation which held on Wednesday 5th June 2013. This prize has been created to recognize and celebrate writers and other members of the literary society across Africa.

The initiative is the first ever Pan-African project to applaud first time writers of published fiction novels. The prize will bring together high profile writers, book critics and academics from across the continent and beyond to identify new writers of African descent.

At the launch event held at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat NigeriaSteven Evans said the company’s creation of the Prize for Literature is borne out of its belief in the transformational power of literature. “We believe that running a successful business is about delivering quality, innovation and unrivalled customer service to our customers. We also believe that running a successful business is about delivering programs, which support cultural development in Music, Sports and the Arts. We believe that Etisalat can make a difference for millions of people”. He added “The Prize mirrors Etisalat’s reputation of being an innovative company that empowers people and rewards excellence in literary writing.“

The Prize will be awarded in two categories, namely: the best full-length debut novel of a minimum of 30,000 words published in English in the last 24 months; and the best flash fiction work of less than 300 words (also in English). Preceding the launch, Etisalat hosted a group of international writers, publishers, academics and journalists who form part of the Board of Patrons and the 2013 judging panel to a pre-event dinner at The Lagos Yatch Club. View photos of the launch.