Nigeria LNG Limited has begun issuing invitations to the 2025 edition of Africa’s most prestigious literary prize. One of three outstanding writers will go away with a cheque for $100, 000 dollars that night. The other two will enjoy good food and spectacle, just like the other guests.
What do they offer? We asked various sources.
The three books shortlisted for the 2025 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature—Chigozie Obioma’s The Road to the Country, Nikki May’s This Motherless Land, and Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya—each possess unique strengths that highlight the diversity and depth of contemporary Nigerian literature.
1. The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma
· Historical Depth and Narrative Grandeur:
Obioma’s novel is an epic set during the Nigerian Civil War, exploring themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and redemption. Its strength lies in its ability to blend personal narratives with historical trauma, creating a story that is both intimate and expansive. The protagonist, Kunle’s, journey to find his missing brother against the backdrop of war highlights the human cost of conflict while showcasing Obioma’s skill in weaving historical events with imaginative storytelling.
· Mythological and Spiritual Layers:
The novel integrates elements of African mysticism, such as the character of the Seer, who presents prophecies and alternative realities. This enriches the narrative, providing a distinctly African perspective on fate and resilience. The judges highlighted Obioma’s “masterful exploration of alternative realities” and his ability to craft a “captivating” story that surpasses conventional historical fiction.
Global Recognition and Literary Craftsmanship:
As a two-time Booker Prize finalist, Obioma brings internationally acclaimed literary craftsmanship to the work. His prose is noted for its precision and emotional resonance, and his works have been translated into 30 languages, underscoring their universal appeal.
Summary:
Strengths:
• Internationally acclaimed author: Obioma is a seasoned, widely recognised author with a history of critical success, giving this entry significant literary weight. His previous work has been translated into over 30 languages, indicating broad appeal.
• Masterful historical narrative: The novel masterfully explores alternative realities alongside a compelling story of trauma and resilience.
• Bold narrative style: Obioma’s work pushes conventional boundaries by weaving in elements of mysticism, folklore, and metafiction to explore the spiritual and psychological impacts of war.
Weaknesses:
Reputation may overshadow the work: Obioma’s status as a previous prize winner could lead to debates about fairness and opportunities for emerging voices.
2. This Motherless Land by Nikki May
· Diaspora Identity and Emotional Resonance:
May’s novel explores the complexities of dual identity through the lives of two cousins, Funke in Lagos and Liv in England. Its strength lies in its profoundly emotional portrayal of family bonds, displacement, and the lingering effects of past tragedies. The judges praised May’s ability to “straddle the cultures of two different countries” whilst creating characters that are “riveting” and relatable.
· Modern Themes and Commercial Appeal:
The novel addresses contemporary issues such as migration, identity, and intergenerational trauma, making it highly relevant to modern readers. May’s debut novel, Wahala, won the Comedy Women In Print Prize and is being adapted for television, highlighting her ability to blend literary merit with broad commercial appeal.
· Lyrical Prose and Character Development:
The book is renowned for its “emotionally charged and alluring” prose, as well as its detailed character development. May’s focus on the subtleties of human relationships offers a moving exploration of how personal histories influence individual fates.
Summary
This emotionally charged novel traces a journey of cultural collision, focusing on diaspora and identity.
Strengths:
• Emotional depth: The book is described as emotionally resonant, with brilliant writing and characters that are riveting and alluring.
• Cross-cultural insight: May successfully explores the intersection of different cultures, providing a story of diaspora and identity that appeals to a wide audience.
• Timely themes: The focus on cultural collision and diaspora resonates with a new generation of readers grappling with issues of belonging and identity in a globalised world.
Weaknesses:
• Possible niche appeal: While the focus on the diaspora is a strength, it may be less resonant for readers who are more interested in stories that are exclusively set within Nigeria.
3. Sanya by Oyin Olugbile
Innovative Genre Blending:
Sanya stands out for its creative fusion of African mythology, fantasy, and spiritual elements. The story follows a young woman with supernatural abilities whose journey triggers a transformative war. This genre-bending approach expands the boundaries of Nigerian literature, offering a fresh take on traditional folklore and matriarchal power.
· Pacing and Originality:
The judges described the novel as “fascinating” with a plot that “grabs attention” and maintains an “unrelenting pace.” Its originality lies in reimagining African myths to explore contemporary themes such as identity, power, and destiny, making it both entertaining and intellectually engaging.
· Representation of Marginalised Narratives:
By focusing on a female protagonist and exploring themes of spiritual inheritance and empowerment, Sanya highlights often-overlooked perspectives in literature. Olugbile’s work contributes to the increasing recognition of speculative fiction as a valid and powerful medium for cultural storytelling.
This cultural fantasy novel draws on Yoruba mythology to reimagine traditional narratives.
Strengths:
• Intriguing plot: The judges commended the novel for its fast-paced and captivating plot that immediately grabs the reader’s attention.
• Genre innovation: The book’s use of cultural fantasy is a fresh and potentially genre-bending narrative that offers a new literary path for Nigerian authors.
• Familiar mythology, fresh perspective: Sanya revisits Yoruba myths in a contemporary, engaging way that challenges traditional views through its storytelling.
Weaknesses:
• Potential for divisive reception: The novel’s reimagining of traditional mythology could alienate some readers who prefer a more conventional retelling.
Each shortlisted work brings unique strengths to the competition:
· Obioma’s novel excels in historical and mythological depth,
· May’s work shines in its emotional exploration of diaspora identity,
· Olugbile’s book stands out for innovative genre blending and pacing.
These works collectively reflect the vitality and diversity of Nigerian literature, offering readers a rich tapestry of themes, styles, and cultural perspectives. The winner, to be announced on October 10, will ultimately need to demonstrate not only literary excellence but also a lasting impact on the literary landscape.
