Nigerian author, Olubunmi Familoni has been revealed as the winner of the 2024 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature competition for his book, The Road Does Not End.
The award, presented by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, alongside Professors Olu Obafemi and Ahmed Yerima, recognizes Olubunmi Familoni’s book, The Road Does Not End, as the best submission to this year’s prize from a total of 163 submissions.
In his words of appreciation, Olubunmi Familoni reflects on the impact of his early reading experiences, saying:
“The books my mom bought me as a child brought me to where I am today”.
These heartfelt words capture the profound influence literature had on his journey to winning The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024.
Established in 2004 and sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company, the prize is administered by the Nigerian Academy of Science, with the judging process overseen by an advisory board comprising members from the Nigeria Academy of Letters and the Association of Nigerian Authors. Initially set at $20,000, the prize amount was increased over the years, reaching $30,000 in 2006, $50,000 in 2008, and eventually $100,000 in 2011.
Over the years, many notable authors have received the award. In 2023, Obari Gomba won for his drama Grit, while in 2022, Romeo Oriogun was recognized for his poetry collection Nomad. Other past recipients include Cheluchi Onyemelukwe for The Son of the House in 2021, Jude Idada for Boom Boom in 2019, and Soji Cole for Embers in 2018.
Congratulations, Olubunmi on this great win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
