NLNG Releases Its Shortlist for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, 2023

By Saheed Sunday

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Prize, the founder of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, has rotated the award this year to the genre of drama. Over the years, the cash prize has grown from 20,000$ in 2004 when it was first established, to 30,000$ in 2006, to 50,000$ in 2008, then finally to a sum of 100,000$ since 2011 till present. In July 2023, the longlist of eleven out of 143 plays entered for the award was released. The longlist includes:

• Dance of The Sacred Feet by Ade Adeniji
• Gidan Juju by Victor S. Dugga
• Grit by Obari Gomba
• Homecoming by Cheta Igbokwe
• The Boat People by Chris Anyokwu
• The Brigadiers of a Mad Tribe by Abuchi Modilim
• The Ojuelegba Crossroads by Abideen Abolaji Ojomu
• The Spellbinder by Bode Sowande
• When Big Masquerades Dance Naked by Olubunmi Familoni
• Where Is Patient Zero by Olatunbosun Taofeek
• Yamtarawala the Warrior King by Henry Akubuiro

On August 29, 2023, the shortlist of three was announced. As Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo the Chairperson of the Advisory Board declared, "each of the three plays that have made it to the shortlist has made themselves exemplars to the literary world through the true essence of their dramatic excellence." The three plays that made the coveted shortlist are:

1.    Grit by Obari Gomba
2.    The Ojuelegba Crossroads by Abideen Abolaji Ojomu
3.    Yamtarawala the Warrior King by Henry Akubuiro

The board remarked: “For Grit by 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 by Abideen Abolaji Ojomu has deeply resonated with the judges, who commend its rich exploration of our socio-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 by Henry Akubuiro 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 evoke a profound sense of engagement and excitement.” 

The NLNG Prize for Literature is one of the most expensive prizes in the world for its whooping cash prize of $100,000. This establishment is a boon to the Nigerian literary sphere. That they make space for playwrights in a literary world where works of prose have dominated and plays receive less attention is commendable. With utmost eagerness, we look forward to the announcement of the winner in October 2023.