Olubunmi Familoni wins Nigeria Prize for Literature

By Henry Akubuiro and Damiete Braide
Last Friday night in Lagos, Olubunmi Familoni was awarded the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature for his novel The Road Does Not End, a powerful and compelling exploration of the lives of vulnerable children surviving on the streets of Lagos.
The prize, awarded by Nigeria LNG (NLNG), is considered Africa’s most prestigious literary award and comes with a $100,000 cash prize. This year’s competition focused on children’s literature, and Familoni’s story captured both the judges’ attention and the hearts of readers for its thematic depth, social relevance, and compelling storytelling.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, now in its twentieth year, celebrates outstanding literary works by Nigerian authors and is one of two prizes awarded annually by NLNG, the other being the Nigeria Prize for Science. This year’s grand award night was a special occasion as NLNG celebrated several milestones, including the 20th anniversary of the prizes, 35 years since the company’s incorporation, and 25 years of successful operations.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, commended Familoni’s work for its ability to bring attention to the harsh realities faced by many children in Nigeria. She described The Road Does Not End as a powerful narrative that shines a light on the resilience and resourcefulness of children who must fend for themselves in an unforgiving urban environment. “The book not only tells the story of street life in Lagos but also provides a poignant commentary on the societal issues faced by vulnerable youths. Familoni’s writing draws readers into the lives of his characters, allowing them to experience both the challenges and the glimmers of hope these children hold onto,” she said.
The novel, which follows the lives of children living on the streets, stood out for its thematic richness, lyrical prose, and the way it tackles issues of child labor, survival, and human connection.
In his acceptance speech, Familoni expressed deep gratitude to NLNG for creating and sustaining the platform that has empowered Nigerian writers and elevated Nigerian literature on the global stage. He acknowledged the role the prize plays in shaping the careers of writers and bringing important societal issues to the forefront. “This prize is more than just an award for literary merit,” he said. “It’s a platform that amplifies the voices of Nigerian writers and ensures that our stories, and the messages they carry, resonate far and wide.”
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo also emphasized the importance of the prize in promoting literary excellence and fostering a reading culture in Nigeria. “NLNG has not only maintained The Nigeria Prize for Literature but has also consistently promoted literary writing, criticism, and reading nationwide. Their unwavering support is critical to providing Nigerian writers with a platform to showcase their talents and make an impact,” she said.
While the spotlight was on Familoni’s victory, the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Science was also awarded during the event. This year’s winners; Eni Oko, Olajide Otitoju, and Meihong Wang were recognised for their pioneering research on “Process Intensification Technology for Greenhouse Emission Control in Power Generation and Industry for Sustainable Fuel Production (PIC-FUEL).” However, no winner was announced for the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism.
Earlier at the event, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, noted that this year’s grand award night was special as the company celebrated 20 years of The NLNG Prizes, the Nigeria Prize for Science and the Nigeria Prize for Literature, 35 years of incorporation, and 25 years of exceptional operations.
“The Prize for Literature is focused on the children’s literature genre this year. The authors have written stories that symbolise children as the future, while stirring our thoughts on the rights and well-being of children. Well done to the three shortlisted authors: Olubunmi Familoni, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor, and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike,” he remarked.
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to serve as a beacon of excellence, highlighting the best of Nigerian storytelling and the critical role literature plays in shaping minds and addressing societal challenges. With The Road Does Not End, Familoni joins the ranks of celebrated Nigerian authors whose works leave a lasting impact on readers and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of the country’s children.