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 Literature 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 Nigeria Steven 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.
(L-R):
Head, High Value Events & Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi
Atawodi; Patron, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede; Chair of
Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Pumla Gqola and Chief Executive
Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans
(L-R):
Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans; Chair of
Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Pumla Gqola and Chief Commercial
Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar
Publisher,
Cassava Republic Press, Bibi Bakare with Chief Executive Officer,
Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans (middle) and Head, High Value Events
& Sponsorship Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi
(L
– R): Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar; Head,
High Value Events & Sponsorship Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi
Atawodi; South African Author and Chair of Judges, Prize for Literature,
Pumla Gqola and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans
Pulitzer
Prize Winner and Patron of Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede
(left) with Nigerian Writer, Hadiza el-Rufai (middle) and Etisalat
Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Steven Evans, at a cocktail reception
for writers, judges, patrons and guests
For more information and updates please visit www.etisalatprize.com
No comments:
Post a Comment