The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, sponsors of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, has announced Oyin Olugbile, Chigozie Obioma, and Nikki May as finalists for the 2025 edition of the prize in the fiction category.
Sophia Horsfall, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development and Senior Management Executive at NLNG, made this announcement on Thursday through a press statement.
The three books and their authors, as released by the Advisory Board of the prize, are ‘Sanya’ by Oyin Olugbile, ‘The Road to the Country’ by Chigozie Obioma, and ‘This Motherless Land’ by Nikki May.
The winner of the prize, when unveiled on October 10th, smiles home with the $100,000 prize money.
The chairman of the Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, described the adjudication process as intense, rigorous, and meticulous.
She described the earlier 11 longlisted books as excellent entries, adding that the challenges the judges faced this year during the adjudication were daunting and unprecedented.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo said that each work distinguishes itself through masterful plotting, characterisation, and a good command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds.
She commended the writers for their work, adding that they remain committed to excellence, honouring outstanding writings, and keeping alive the vital conversation around Nigerian literature.
“It has been inspiring to witness such creativity and passion. I can say it is a privilege to be part of something so meaningful and honourable,” Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo said.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo also commended the judging panel for their uncompromising evaluation, ensuring that only the most outstanding works earned a place in the shortlist of three.
This year’s panel of judges is chaired by Associate Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of the Department of English, Kwara State University. Other members of the panel include Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Professor of Comparative Literature, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Mr Olakunle Kasumu, writer, filmmaker, producer, and host of Channels Television’s Book Club.
According to the judges, the shortlist represents the best of Nigerian prose writing, exploring culturally-relevant themes and telling stories that are exciting, entertaining, and instructive.
They noted: “Olugbile’s ‘Sanya’ is a fascinating novel. From the cover to the plot that grabs attention, the author is unrelenting in keeping the story pacey and intriguing.
“’The Road to the Country’ by Obioma masterfully explores alternative realities alongside a captivating story of love, brotherhood, and a devastating war.
“’This Motherless Land’ is emotionally charged and alluring. The writing is brilliant and the characters riveting. Nikki May successfully straddles the cultures of two different countries,” the judges stated.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates among four genres of literature: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.
