Obari Gomba, Henry Akubuiro, and Abideen Abolaji Ojomu are on the shortlist for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature 2023 announced in Lagos on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored annually by oil firm NLNG, was started to honour Nigerian authors in the four genres of fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature in 2004. The prize worth US$100,000 makes it the richest in African letters today. In recent times, winners have been Romeo Oriogun, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, Jude Idada, Soji Cole, Ikeogu Oke, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Sam Ukala, Tade Ipadeola, and Chika Unigwe.
For 2023, the focus for the prize is drama and 143 plays were submitted to the jury comprising Prof Ameh Dennis Akoh alongside Prof Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe and Dr Rasheedah Liman for consideration. This longlist was announced on Thursday, July 20 before the shortlist was made public at a press event by the advisory board of Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (Chair), Prof. Olu Bafemi, and Prof. Ahmed Yerima on Tuesday.
Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo while making the announcement said, “as members of the advisory board, we are gratified to witness the remarkable confidence that the judges have expressed in this shortlist. These plays stand tall in terms of dermatology, language, performance, story, and structure. They represent the pinnacle of literary craftsmanship and the artistic convergence that the Nigeria Prize of Literature tirelessly seeks. Our dedicated judges and the advisory board over the years have consistently worked together to seamlessly blend the contemporary heartbeat with the essence of Nigerian literature. The shortlist serves as a testament to its harmonious fusion and the enduring legacy of our nation’s literary landscape.”
The following three plays made the shortlist;
- Grit, Obari Gomba
- The Ojuelegba Crossroads, Abideen Abolaji Ojomu
- Yamtarawala The Warrior King, Henry Akubuiro
Judges comments;
Grit, Obari Gomba
The Judges have applauded it as a great play that transcends its covers. Its pages unfold a captivating narrative that has clearly left an indelible mark and its production quality is nothing short of excellent.
The Ojuelegba Crossroads, Abideen Abolaji Ojomu
The play has deeply resonated with the judges who commend its rich exploration of our social political fabric. The play’s ability to confront everyday struggles and decision-making conflicts while aiming for a harmonious resolution underscores its significant impact.
Yamtarawala The Warrior King, Henry Akubuiro
The play has captured the judges’ admiration for its dramatic twists rendering it not only suited for the stage but also the screen. The narrative unfolds in ways that puts a profound sense of engagement and excitement.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in October.
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