The Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing has announced its highly anticipated shortlist, honouring the unforgettable legacy of John Okafọ—better known to millions as Mr. Ibu.
Three writers, have risen to the top after a fierce round of deliberation:
- Paternity Fraud by Olusesi Fatimo T.
- Pest of Friends by Tobiloba Oladeji
- The Head and Not the Tail by Solomon T. Hamza
The shortlisted works capture the spirit of comedy that Okafọ embodied—stories that make you laugh first, think next, and laugh even harder after. These authors didn’t just write—they performed on the page.
The Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing is an annual literary award established by Ngiga Review to honor the legacy of the late Nigerian actor and comedian John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu. The prize awards ₦100,000 to an African writer under 40 for an original, unpublished one-act play or a coherent standalone excerpt from a larger play that exemplifies exceptional humor.
The winner of the Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing will be unveiled on March 2, 2025, a day of immense significance to commemorate the 1st Anniversary of John Okafọ’s passing.
Congratulations to all shortlisted authors on this big win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
