NLNG targets Young Nigerians with new The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts

NLNG has stated that new The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will target young Nigerians with the aim of inspiring them to tell stories that redefines the nations image.At a press conference in Lagos, the Company announced that the Prize, a new category under its sponsored-The Nigeria Prizes will target emerging Nigerian filmmakers aged 18 to 35. The Company also stated further that the Prize will challenge young Nigerians to produce documentary films that celebrate the nations identity and reshape global perceptions of Nigeria through information, creativity, and visual excellence.The Prize cycle which will commence in February 2026 with a call for entry, alongside the other prizes, The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature. The Prize comes with the award money of $20,000.Speaking at a press conference, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, explained that the initiative reflects NLNGs deep commitment to nurturing creative capital as part of national development.The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an invitation for young Nigerians to own their narrative, to how the world our complexity, our brilliance, and our resilience through film. This Prize symbolises NLNGs belief that storytelling is nation-building that every frame, every voice, and every perspective matters in the shaping of who we are and who we aspire to be'' Horsfall saidShe emphasised that the initiative bridges Nigerias dynamic youth population and the broader creative industry, strengthening the nations voice globally while promoting unity and understanding through storytelling.The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, will administer the new category. She will be supported by Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima. Professor Adimor-Ezeigbo noted that the Prize marks a significant milestone in NLNGs over two-decade journey of celebrating excellence across disciplines.The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence knows no boundary. It can be written, spoken, or filmed. It asks its creators to confront truth, explore memory, and translate experience into meaning, she said.She emphasised that the Prize would align with the overarching strategy of the prizes to reward excellence. Joel Benson, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and Technical Advisor to Advisory Board, stated that the Prize would be benchmarked against international film festival standards, ensuring that winning entries can compete globally. He added that the creative energy of Nigerias youth deserves a platform that matches its ambition.Benson explained further that only short documentaries of no more than 20 minutes will be accepted in the inaugural edition, adding that entries will be judged on storytelling craft, originality, production quality and creativity, among other metrics.The Prize cycle will officially commence in February 2026, with a Call for Entries running until April 2026. This three-month window will provide ample time for submission of short documentary films completed between April 2024 and April 2026. Id like to reiterate that this inaugural edition of the prize is open to all short films made, and/or completed between April 2024 and April 2026. This prize is only open to NON-FICTION FILMS that are 20 minutes and under.The Prize will be open exclusively to Nigerians aged 18 to 35, reaffirming our commitment to empowering young voices the next generation of storytellers who will define how Nigeria is seen and understood by the world.'' he said He revealed that the judging panel will be chaired by Dr. Sam Dede, a veteran actor, director, and senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt. He will be joined by Adeola Aderonke, an award-winning film director, art historian, scriptwriter, and producer and George Ugwuja, a renowned film producer who has delivered high-quality work for international organisations.All relevant details, including submission links, criteria, and updates, will be available on the official Prize website: www.thenigeriaprizes.org. he said The prize cycle will end in October 2026 with the announcement of the final verdict at the Grand Award Night, sponsored by NLNG.