On Tuesday, February 6, 2007, the world gathered at the Golden Gate restuarant for the Pat Utomi Book Prize. Organized by the Board of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), the event had as chairperson Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, (Honourable Minister of Education), with the Founder of CVL Prof. Pat Utomi, Chairman, Book Prize Advisory Board, Prof. Anya O. Anya.
The shortlist was made up of the following: Charles Ayo Dada, author of The Ghost of Zina; Hope Eghagha, author of Onowawi Shall Rise Again; Victoria Sylvia Kankara, author of Hymns and Hymens; Emeka Nwabueze, the author of The Dragon's Funeral; Obu Udeozo, the author of Cyclone; and Ebi Yeibo, the author of Maiden Lines.

Prof Pat Utomi in conversation with Dr Rueben Abati





Dr Hope Eghagha gives Victoria Kankara a handshake as Ayo Dada watches on





Prof Ebi Yeibo, Prof Obu Udeozo, Ms Victoria Kankara, Mr Charles Ayo Dada, and Dr Hope Eghagha





Ms Victoria Kankara, Mr Charles Ayo Dada, and Dr Hope Eghagha











Charles Ayo Dada receiving his award from Prof Anya O Anya(Chairman of Board), Yemisi Ransome-Kuti while The Coordinator Uchenna Achunine looks on





Prof Anya O Anya, Amina Oyegbola(Head Corporate Affairs, MTN), and Victoria Kankara receiving her prize




Charles Ayo Dada reading from the Ghost of Zina





Dr Oby Ezekwesili (Minister of Education) and Prof Pat Utomi with a guest





Kendra Nwene and Charles Ayo Dada






Kendra Nwene and Charles Ayo Dada





Prof Anya O Anya, Dr Oby Ezekwesili (Minister of Education) and Prof Pat Utomi





Charles Ayo Dada





The Coordinator Uchenna Achunine with friends






Prof Karen King-Aribisala and Yemisi Ransome-Kuti in a cross-section of guests






Soni Irabor and guests





Cutting the cake with Prof Pat Utomi