Olubunmi Familoni Wins 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature
Olubunmi Familoni has been named the winner of the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature for his children’s book, The Road Does Not End. The announcement, made on October 11, awards Familoni the prestigious $100,000 prize, cementing his place as one of Africa’s leading literary voices. The Nigeria Prize for Literature is Africa’s most esteemed literary award and is highly regarded internationally.
Familoni, a versatile writer known for his plays, short stories, screenplays, and essays, has gained recognition for his unique storytelling style. His debut collection of stories, Smithereens of Death, won the ANA Prize for Short Stories in 2015. His play Every Single Day was selected by the British Council for the Lagos Theatre Festival, and his children’s book I’ll Call My Brother For You earned him the ANA Prize for Children’s Literature in 2020.
This year’s competition saw Familoni longlisted with 10 other notable authors, including Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo (A Father’s Pride), Akanni Festus Olaniyi (Bode’s Birthday Party), Jumoke Verissimo (Grandma And The Moon’s Hidden Secret), and Henry Akubuiro (Mighty Mite And Golden Jewel). Other contenders were Temiloluwa Adeshina (Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl), Olatunbosun Taofeek (The Children At The IDP Camp), Ayo Oyeku (The Magic Jalabiya), Hyginus Ekwuazi (The Third Side of A Coin), Anietie Usen (Village Boy), and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike (Wish Maker).
Familoni’s win adds to his growing list of accolades, further establishing him as a significant figure in Nigerian and African literature.
Congratulations to Olubunmi Familoni and other longlisted writers. Read more about the prize here.
