NLNG opens literature prize to all Nigerians

Just heard this:
"Nigerian writers seem to have their way with the Literature Committee of the NLNG Prize for Literature, after six years of criticisms and agitation.

The committee, in an announcement released to reporters on Wednesday evening, shifted grounds on two key issues that has agitated writers: the residency condition, which bars non-resident writers in the country from submitting their works for the prize and non disclosure of the identity of judges - which have caused friction between it and writers since the inception of the prize in 2004. ..."

I don't know whether this will solve Nigeria's intellectual crisis, and that in literature, but it is at least comforting to hear that the organizers are taking people's criticisms seriously.
Anyway read and judge for yourself.

An Elegy for the Easterl Up for Another Award

Petina Gappah's An Elegy for the Easterly has been nominated for Zimbabwe's National Award. Same with Brian Chikwava's Harare North.
Good to hear that these writers are getting the recognition they deserve. I strongly believe that Zimbabwe shall rise.
Here are the details from Ms Gappah's blog.

Quality Street by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is back with an exciting short story, titled "Quality."
Here's the beginning:
"They were drinking tea. One of the few things that Mrs. Njoku and her daughter Sochienne could still do together without acrimony was drink tea, because when Mrs. Njoku suggested they go to the new boutique on Victoria Island, or Titi’s Place for a facial, things they used to do together in Lagos before Sochienne went away to university in America, Sochienne called her a fat bourgeois, a dilettante dancing while Nigeria was failing, as though she could somehow solve the country’s problems by depriving herself of a manicure. But this, drinking tea, was neutral—as long as it was without fresh milk."
ENJOY