The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024 recently announced its winner, Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi, author of the book “The Road Does Not End”. The announcement was made at a glamorous party hosted by Fatshimetrie, attended by various literary and cultural personalities.
Familoni was awarded $100,000 from the Nigeria LNG fund, and his book was chosen from a total of 163 entries for this edition of the competition. The ceremony, titled “The Future”, was held at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, to celebrate the finals of the prestigious competition, as well as to mark 20 years of the Nigeria Prizes.
Familoni’s work not only impressed the audience but also the jury, comprising Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Professor Olu Obafemi, and Ahmed Yerima, among others. Professor Ezeigbo commended the quality of the books submitted by the finalists, noting that they were well-written, edited and produced.
The process of selecting the finalists was rigorous, with a longlist of 11 works to be published in July 2024, before narrowing the selection to three finalists, including “The Road Does Not End” by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi. The selection criteria focused on literary excellence and the significant impact the Prize has on Nigerian youth.
Other finalists included “A Father’s Pride” by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor, and “Wish Maker” by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike. Each of these books was praised on their respective merits, highlighting deep and varied themes that captivated readers.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, considered one of the 10 most prestigious and endowed literary prizes in the world, celebrates its 20th edition this year, with a special focus on children’s literature. The prize, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, alternates between four genres of literature, namely prose, poetry, drama and children’s literature.
The internationalization of the Prize was also highlighted with the participation of Professor Christopher Okemwa, consultant for this edition, and the contributions of members of the advisory committee such as Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima. The aim of this initiative is to encourage creativity and promote African literature globally.
Finally, the victory of Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi adds to a list of renowned writers who have won the Prize in the children’s literature category, thus confirming the importance of supporting and promoting Nigeria’s cultural and literary wealth.