Nigerian author Olubunmi Familoni’s book ‘The Road Does Not End’ has won the 2024 edition of the NLNG Prize for Literature.
Familoni won the top gong on Friday at the award night held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, securing the coveted $100,000 prize.
‘The Road Does Not End’ emerged victorious, beating 162 other entries. In the final round, Familoni’s work outshone two other finalists: Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo’s ‘A Father’s Pride’ and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike’s ‘Wish Maker’.
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‘The Road Does Not End’ tells the story of Rilwan, a young orphan struggling to find his place in the world after losing his parents. Rilwan’s journey takes a dramatic turn when he discovers Fuji music and finds mentorship under the guidance of his boss, Pepper.
This year’s competition highlighted children’s literature, showcasing stories that inspire and shape young minds.
The advisory board praised ‘The Road Does Not End’ for its masterful storytelling, meticulous editing, and impactful themes.
“The Road Does Not End addresses the critical issue of child labour in society. The book explores resilience and human connection themes, emphasising the importance of relationships and the need for continuous self-improvement,” they said.
In the same vein, Olajide Otitoju, Meihong Wang, and Eni Oko were jointly awarded the Prize for Science.
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Speaking at the event, Philip Mshelbila, the CEO of NLNG, emphasized the company’s commitment to transforming the world through intentional actions.
“In NLNG we accept the divine. And in fact that we do not possess ultimate control of the future, but we also believe actions we take can shape the outcome of our world tomorrow,” he said.
“We have agencies to transform the world around us. Not control, but influences the cause of our destiny. And tonight we demonstrate the power of our agency as NLNG.”
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