Nigeria LNG Ltd says it has received 98 entries for the maiden edition of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts.

The company announced this after the close of submissions for the competition, which targets young Nigerian documentary filmmakers.

The general manager, external relations and sustainable development, Sophia Horsfall, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

Ms Horsfall said the winner of the competition would receive a cash prize of $20,000.

She said the entries were formally received during a ceremony, marking a major milestone in the prize cycle.

According to her, the competition focuses on documentary filmmaking under the theme ‘Identity.’

She added that the competition is open to Nigerian youths aged 35 and below.

Ms Horsfall said the number and quality of entries reflected Nigeria’s vast creative potential.

“The remarkable response to the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts reaffirms our belief in storytelling for national development.

“These entries reflect the passion, innovation, and depth of talent within Nigeria’s youth,” she said.

She said the prize was designed to inspire young storytellers to produce documentaries highlighting Nigeria’s identity, heritage, and resilience.

According to her, the initiative supports NLNG’s commitment to human capital development.

She said it also built on the legacy of The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Prize for Science.

“The Creative Arts initiative promotes creativity, empowers young Nigerians, and positions Nigeria’s stories on the global stage,” Ms Horsfall added.

Receiving the entries, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo described the submission stage as a defining moment.

“With the submission of these entries, the Prize has come alive,” she said.

Ms Adimora-Ezeigbo said the entries would undergo rigorous assessment before the final selection.

She said judges would assess originality, storytelling, production quality, and overall impact.

The winner is expected to be announced at the Grand Award Night in October. 

(NAN)