Olubunmi Familoni Wins NLNG’s $100,000 Literature Prize

A Nigerian author, Olubunmi Familoni, has won the 2024 edition of the prestigious NLNG’s $100,000 Literature Prize.

Familoni emerged as the winner on Friday night at the grand finale at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

As the competition winner, he receives a cash prize of $100,000, equivalent to approximately N159.23 million.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature award alternates among four literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. This year, the focus was on children’s literature.

The author made the longlist in 2023 but struck luck in October 2024 when he emerged victorious.

His children’s book, The Road Does Not End, was the lucky charm.

He beat two other shortlisted books by Ndidi Chiazo-Eneamor and Uche Peter Umez.

The Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature gave reasons why his book made the final list.

They said, ‘The Road Does Not End’ addresses the critical issue of child labour in society.

The book explores resilience and human connection themes, emphasising the importance of relationships and the need for continuous self-improvement”.

Obari Gomba won the prize last year for his play Grit.

For 2024, the prize focus is children’s literature and the jury comprises Prof Saleh Adu (Chairman), Prof Vicky Sylvester, Dr Igudia Osarobu, and Kenyan Chris Okemwa.

There were 163 entries received and NLNG Nigeria Literature Prize advisory chair Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo and board member Ahmed Yerima announced the longlist on 13 July before the shortlist was made public on 9 September.

Hailing from Ibadan, Oyo State, Familoni has an impressive portfolio that includes screenplays, short fiction, and essays.

His debut collection of short stories, Smithereens of Dreams won the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Short Story in 2015.

Familoni’s children’s book, ‘I will call my Brother For You,’ also received the ANA Prize for Children’s Literature.

He has further made waves in the theater world with his play Every Single Day, which was published by the British Council as part of the Lagos Theatre Festival.