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A total of 98 entries have been submitted for the maiden edition of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, sponsored by NLNG, at the close of submissions on Thursday.
The inaugural competition, themed “Identity,” focuses on documentary filmmaking and is open to Nigerians aged 35 and below.
Speaking during the handover of entries, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, described the turnout as evidence of the creativity and storytelling potential among Nigerian youths. Horsfall, represented by Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said the response reinforced the role of storytelling in national development.
She noted that the initiative was created to inspire young filmmakers to tell authentic Nigerian stories that highlight the nation’s identity, culture and resilience, while projecting African perspectives globally.
Horsfall added that the prize aligns with NLNG’s broader commitment to human capital development, building on the legacy of The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science.
The Advisory Board for the prizes, chaired by Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, will oversee the adjudication process, supported by Technical Adviser Joel Benson.
Receiving the entries on behalf of the judges and advisory board, Adimora-Ezeigbo said the submission stage signalled that “the prize has come alive,” while urging judges to uphold excellence, integrity and professionalism throughout the process.
Entries will be assessed for originality, storytelling, production quality and overall impact.
The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts carries a $20,000 cash award, with the winner scheduled to be announced at the Grand Award Night in October 2026.
