Renowned author Olubunmi Oluranti Familoni has emerged as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature for his book, The Road Does Not End.
Familoni was announced as the winner during the Grand Award Night held at Eko Hotel on Friday, a significant event organized by the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature and sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
Familoni’s work, The Road Does Not End, was praised for addressing critical societal issues, particularly child labour.
The chairperson of the Advisory Board, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, commended the book, stating, “The book explores themes of resilience and human connection, emphasizing the importance of relationships and the need for continuous self-improvement.”
Familoni was one of three finalists in this year’s competition, which carries a cash award of $100,000. The other shortlisted works included “A Father’s Pride” by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo and “Wish Maker” by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike.
The journey to the final selection began in July 2024, when 11 works were longlisted by the Advisory Board. The finalists were chosen based on their literary excellence and the significant impact their stories could have on young Nigerians.
The panel of judges, chaired by Prof. Saleh Abdu from the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, included Prof. Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia, who meticulously reviewed each work.
Although Familoni emerged victorious in the literature category, it was also announced that there was no winner for this year’s Prize for Criticism.
