The Nigerian literary community was abuzz with excitement on Friday, October 13, 2023, as Dr. Obari Gomba's play "Grit" was declared the winner of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature 2023. The prestigious award, sponsored by oil firm NLNG, recognizes outstanding literary works in Nigeria and is considered the richest prize in African letters, worth US$100,000.
Dr. Eyoh Etim also took home the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, adding to the celebration of Nigerian literary talent. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, established in 2004, honors authors in four genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and children's literature. Previous winners include renowned authors such as Romeo Oriogun, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, and Chika Unigwe.
This year, the focus was on drama, with an impressive 143 plays submitted to the jury comprising Prof. Ameh Dennis Akoh, Prof. Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe, and Dr. Rasheedah Liman. The longlist was announced in July, followed by the shortlist in August, building up to the grand ceremony in Lagos where Dr. Gomba's play "Grit" emerged victorious.
Reacting to his win, Dr. Gomba expressed gratitude and humility, saying, "I am humbled by the outpouring of goodwill since Friday, 13th October, 2023 when GRIT won the Nigeria Prize for Literature. Thank you for your support and kind words. More thanks to the amazing writers / playwrights who have made Nigerian literature eventful this year."
Dr. Gomba's words of appreciation also extended to his fellow competitors, acknowledging their contributions to the vibrant Nigerian drama scene. He praised NLNG for investing in the Nigeria Prize for Literature, affirming that the celebration is far from over.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to play a significant role in promoting and recognizing Nigerian literary talent, inspiring future generations of writers and playwrights to strive for excellence.
Dr. Eyoh Etim also took home the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, adding to the celebration of Nigerian literary talent. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, established in 2004, honors authors in four genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and children's literature. Previous winners include renowned authors such as Romeo Oriogun, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, and Chika Unigwe.
This year, the focus was on drama, with an impressive 143 plays submitted to the jury comprising Prof. Ameh Dennis Akoh, Prof. Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe, and Dr. Rasheedah Liman. The longlist was announced in July, followed by the shortlist in August, building up to the grand ceremony in Lagos where Dr. Gomba's play "Grit" emerged victorious.
Reacting to his win, Dr. Gomba expressed gratitude and humility, saying, "I am humbled by the outpouring of goodwill since Friday, 13th October, 2023 when GRIT won the Nigeria Prize for Literature. Thank you for your support and kind words. More thanks to the amazing writers / playwrights who have made Nigerian literature eventful this year."
Dr. Gomba's words of appreciation also extended to his fellow competitors, acknowledging their contributions to the vibrant Nigerian drama scene. He praised NLNG for investing in the Nigeria Prize for Literature, affirming that the celebration is far from over.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to play a significant role in promoting and recognizing Nigerian literary talent, inspiring future generations of writers and playwrights to strive for excellence.
