Executive Publisher, Quramo Publishing, Mrs. Gbemi Shasore in handshake with Emmanuel Michael, the winner, 2018 Quramo Prize

Truth be told, the moment Michael Emmanuel started reading aloud some excerpts from his manuscript, Running Waters, it dawned on us that he was a likely winner. He was an effortless and conversational writer, not trying to impress us with too much information. But with wit, he sowed the seed of suspense into a carefully woven plot. He had four other contestants to beat and they were just meeting for the first time that night at the award ceremony organised by Quramo Publishing at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In her opening remarks, the Executive Publisher, QuramoPublishing, Mrs. Gbemi Shasore gave an insight into why the prize was instituted. For one, the prize gives voices tounpublished writers. Secondly, it promotes quality content in indigenous literature. In addition, it “disrupts’’ the unhealthy pattern of literature market in Nigeria which is saturated with books from foreign writers.

For the Head of Judges, Mrs. Aduke Gomez, it was an arduous task to decide on the winner, with the quality of writ-

Culture buffs will arrive in droves at Benin City in December when the six-day Edo State Festival of arts, culture and tourism, EDOFEST begins. From December 17 to 22, the state, with its rich cultural heritage, will host youths at home and in the diaspora with activities revolving around this edition’s theme, “Harnessing Arts and Culture.’’

As a global cultural brand, the Benin Kingdom boasts of the most coveted artifacts in history, representing the earliest civilisations in Africa. Against this backdrop, a special photo exhibition and carnival parade of all the stolen original arts from Benin, currently held in different locations in the Europe will be showcased on the opening day.

The photographs were taken by a foreign journalist in Germany. This was revealed during a media briefing in Lagos with the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero. “It is important to show the world that we know where these arts and artefacts are,’’ the commissioner said.

The commissioner who chairs the 19-man committee for EDOFEST said it was inaugurated by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to ensure a hitch-free festival. ing received.

“This year, there were over 400 entries. None of us had really slept well for weeks. We argued. We fought. We have abused and lobbied one another. Until we got here today, we didn’t know the winner. It’s a wonderful experience,’’ she remarked.

Beyond the prize, Quramo Publishing had developed and executed a series of literary projects such as “Project Read’’ which involves providing reading materials for the less privileged in IDP camps. The publishing firm is also in the business of cross- fertilising literary ideas for other artistic expressions such as films.

Afterwards, the seasoned author and public relations professional, Toni Kan, reviewed the published winning work from the previous edition of Quramo Prize, Samuel Monye’sGive Us Each Day.

Crown Troupe of Africa thrilled the audience to a dramatic interpretation of Give Us Each Day after the creative entrepreneur, Ugoma Adegoke presented the second runner- up certificate According to him, fun seekers will savour the taste of good music alongside cultural dances drawn from various tribal groups.

Expectedly, DJs will spin the wheels of steel in addition to the live performances. The second day of the festival will feature dramatic performances while the third day of the festival will be set aside for the festival lecture and masterclasses on the history of Edo State. On the fourth day, foodies will to Achalugo Ezekobe for Boys on Jumping Trousers. Also, the awardwinning writer, Sefi Atta presented a certificateto the first runner up, Ani Obiamaka Splendour for The Girl who saw Tomorrow.

After the rapturous moment of declaring the winner, Emmanuel was spotted on the red carpet outside the venue where he recounted his journey into winning the coveted prize of N1m and the offer of a publishing contract with QuramoPublishing.

He was writing tests and also preparing for his exams when the deadline for submitting manuscript was approaching. He had to write 10,000 words. He spoke on the plot briefly.

“The story is about a girl who suffered a memory loss and it was only a sentence-something about someone killing her mother that triggered her curiosity. The plot is about unraveling her life story.

“With this N1 million, I will definitely invest in writing. I will attend writing seminars and workshops,’’ said the 300- level undergraduate of Chemistry. have their fill during the food exhibition taking place simultaneously with the fashion show that involves 18 local governments. The food festival is expected to amplify the rich diversity in the Edo cuisine and culinary skills. Awards ceremony and gala night mark the fifth day while the next day dubbed, “Diaspora Day’’ will feature a Mega Concert which brings the festival to a close.

“I am happy with the attention that it

The telecommunications company, 9Mobile, has announced the threemember judging panel for its 2018 Photography Competition with the theme, “9ja: My Grind, My Hustle.’’

The creative photographer, Kola Oshalusi; documentary photographer, Bernard Kalu and award-winning photo-journalist, Aisha Augie-Kuta, are this edition’s judges. While making the announcement, 9Mobile’s Director, Brand and Experience, Elvis Ogiewanye revealed that the judges had been selected through a rigorous process to ensure professionalism in the evaluation process.

He added that from the pool of entries received, internal reviewers will pre-approve images based on the entry criteria which will be shared to the voting public to select 100 images. From these, the judging panel will select top three images which will be announced on November is getting. We didn’t have this last year. It shows that it is going to be greater and bigger. We already have a sponsorship brochure for the event,’’ the commissioner remarked as he cited the value-chain inherent in this annual festival that draws hundreds of thousands to the multi-venue event.

It is expected that every commercial vehicle enroute Benin City will be branded EDOFEST, in the spirit of a rousing festival.