Why do you think we do not have say an Achebe or Amos Tutuola award for literature?
EMMANUEL IDUMA: I cannot say. I think, however, that it appears we lack the temerity to do so. But you know, prizes are emerging. I appreciate the work of Myne Whitman, of ANA, JLF and so forth. The fact is that prizes come last. We are still in the stage of re-developing our craft, our ‘literariness.’ ‘Saraba’ would institute a prize, I’m certain. We should take our time on prizes. They are too sensitive – see what has happened with theNLNG Prize [Nigeria Prize for Literature].. On prizes given by foreigners, I can say nothing! I have no facts. In sum, we need our own prizes because we have our own writing and sensibilities, separate and distinct from the foreign. SOKARI EKINE: So where next for you, Emmanuel and for ‘Saraba’? You have hinted at the possibility of instituting a prize some time in the future and expanding the magazine to include writers from across the continent. I want to return to your first anniversary (Issue 4) in which you reflect on the first year. You titled the
