Atelewo Cultural Initiative organised the fourth edition of the annual Atelewo Prize for Yoruba Literature at the BNI Youth Centre, University of Ibadan on March 9th, 2024. Adewumi Fatimah Luqman emerged as the overall winner for her outstanding collection of short stories in the prose category titled “Ọ̀rẹ́ Àtàtà”.
Out of an initial longlisted eight entries, four eventual winners were announced by the Cultural Initiative. The runners-up included Famuyiwa Oluwafemi for his drama entry titled “Àtẹ̀yìntọ̀”, Abdulrosheed Olalekan Fadipe for his translation of “The First Men in the Moon” by H.G Wells titled “Àwọn Arìnrìn Àjọ̀ Àkọ́kọ́ Sínú Òṣùpá”, and Ademola Olayiwola for his collection of poems titled “Ewì Àrìnyè”.
In recognition of their literary achievements, Adewumi Fatimah Luqman, the overall winner, received an award and a cash prize of two hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N250,000), while the three runners-up each received an award and a cash prize of one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) respectively.
The event also witnessed celebrate International Mother Language Day 2024, with the theme “Èdè Ni Òpó Ìmọ̀”, Language is the pillar of knowledge.
Speaking at the event, Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila who’s a Yoruba culture advocate and a guest speaker at the event noted that it is time Yoruba people heed the wisdom of their ancestors and recognize that Yoruba language is not just a cultural asset but a cornerstone of knowledge that has the potential to revolutionize education.
Ayo Adams, the other guest speaker, concluded that, “as a visual storyteller, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of language as the cornerstone of knowledge. Our language not only preserves our stories but also serves as the bedrock of our cultural heritage. It’s more than just words; it’s a vessel that carries the essence of who we are as a people, encapsulating our history, traditions, and values”.
In his address, Ibrahim Oredola, the co-founder of the group appreciated the guest speakers, judges and participants for their contributions to the success of the event.
“I must appreciate the judges, Damilola Adebonojo, the founder of Alamoja Yoruba, Folake Adesina, the Immediate Past Dean of School of secondary Education, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Oluwaseyi Fasunhan, the Founder of Yoruba Amodunju Language School and Bukola Adeleke Adegbola, the author of Alaafin Ajaka, for their time and patience to go through the entries and select the winners.
“The inception of the Prize in 2020 aimed to breathe new life into the rich and time-honored tradition of Yorùbá literary culture. As we mark four years, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Adeleke Adeeko, Mr. Oladele Onile-Ere, Mr. Oye Olatoye, Mr. Adeoba Gbenga, Mr. Dada Yusuff, and others whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of this edition,” he concluded.
