kemi Busari
Journalist, writers and distinguished professionals were on Saturday 6thFebruary 2016 commended for their efforts of advancing the society at the inaugural edition of the Nigerian writers Awards.
The award ceremony which took place at Terra Culture, Victoria Island Lagos hosted writers in Nigeria and the diaspora.
23 received awards in the competitive categories while 6 others were given awards of recognition for their outstanding contributions to the society.
The award winners are listed below;
Entertainment Writer of the Year, Joey Akan (Pulse.ng).
Sports Writer of the Year, Shina Oludare Charles (Goal.com).
Feature Writer of the Year, Seun Akioye (The Nation Newspaper).
Business Writer of the Year, Patrick Atuanya (Business Day).
Indigenous Writer of the Year Izunna I. Okafor (Ajọ Enyi-Igbo).
Health Writer of the Year, Femi Kusa (Natural Health-The Nation).
Non-Fiction of The Year Amanda Epe (Fly Girl, according to readers) and Onyeka Nwelue (Hip-hop is Only for Children, according to judges).
Diaspora Writer of the Year, Ibitola Ojoye-Adebayo (Acceptance, according to judges) Enuma Okoro(According to readers).
Short Story (Series) Writer of the Year, Obinna Udenwe (Holy Sex).
Poetry Promoter of the Year, Eriata Orhibabor (Poets in Nigeria).
Script Writer of the Year Darase Richards (The Antique).
Blogger of the Year, Stella Dimoko Korkus (Stelladimokokorkus.com, according to readers) and Emeh Achanga (Misspetitenaijablog.com, according to judges).
Literary (Blog Writer) Chioma Iwunze (www.creativewritingnews.blogspot.Com).
Campus Writer of the Year Ahaneku Ekene (The Nation-Campuslife).
Romance Writer of the Year, Kiru Taye (His Treasure/The Essiens).
Fiction Writer of the Year, Chidera Nneoma Okolie (When Silence Becomes Too Loud).
Young Writer of the Year (20-26years), Tomi Adesina.
Faith-Based Writer of the Year, Unoma Nwankwor (When You Let Go).
Song Writer of the Year, (Pop) Korede Bello.
Special recognition awards were also given to Sam Omatseye, Tolulope Popoola, Akeem Lasisi, Goodness Igali and Esther Kalejaiye.
The organizer of the award Modestus Dikko said that the winners were selected strictly on merit based on their ‘originality, creativity and impact on the society.’
He noted that the award is put together in order to reward excellence and to celebrate writers for their hardwork and impact in the society.
Highlighting the programmes for 2016 which includes social media campaign, workshops and magazine production, he called on personalities and brands to support the Nigerian Writers Awards.
