By Seyi Babalola
A drama book, Grit, by Obari Gomba, a playwright and poet who serves as an associate dean of humanities at the University of Port Harcourt, has won the 2023 Nigerian Prize for Literature.
Gomba wrote the winning drama book, which he wrote while teaching literature and creative writing at the University of Port Harcourt.
In a hotly contested final at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on October 13, 2023, he triumphed over two other playwrights after emerging from 145 submissions, 11 longlists, and later three shortlists.
The other playwrights are Yamtarawala: The Warrior King; author: Henry Akubuiro, and Ojuelegba Crossroads; author: Abideen Abolaji Ojomu.
Gomba, through his book, won the $100,000 grand prize in the winner-take-all competition His success came after five attempts at the prize spanning three long lists and two shortlists.
In his acceptance speech, he praised the NLNG for the award platform, which, in his opinion, had a significant influence on Nigerian literature and the creative sector as a whole. He also praised the other two participants, whom he regarded as winners.
A lecturer at the Akwa Ibom State University, Eyoh Etim, also emerged winner of the Literary Criticism Prize. Eyoh took home a $10,000 prize for his writing prowess.
The 2023 Nigerian Prize for Science of $100,000 was also awarded to Hippolite Amadi, a professor of medical engineering and technology at Imperial College London.
During the ceremony, Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria LNG Limited, stated that the theme of the 2023 prize ceremony is ‘Redefinition,’ in keeping with the need to reevaluate our priorities and visions and to push for change that will make the world a better place for businesses and humans.
The authors, according to the MD/CEO of NLNG, have utilized the power of words to redefine values, create change, and draw attention to things that must be protected in a rapidly changing environment.
He praised all of the writers for their creative brilliance and pledged his continued support for the awards.
According to him, “As part of efforts to reach our redefinition to make our nation great, the notion of time and space is central to redefinition as there is utmost urgency to safeguard life on Earth. The time to act is now, and all must unilaterally defend the world.
The Nigerian Prize for Science and Literature is a redefinition of excellence where we seek innovation.
“I commend all three shortlisted playwrights for their works, and well done to the Advisory Board and the judges for their immense contributions to the prize.
He said the 2023 theme of the science prize, “Innovations for Enhancement of Healthcare Therapy” is significant because of “our nation”.
He also said “Nigeria urgently requires not just people but also technology to improve our country’s healthcare delivery system and save lives.”
Professor Hippolite Amadi was named the 2023 Nigeria Prize for Science laureate for his study titled “Low-cost Respiratory Technologies for Keeping Nigerian Neonates Alive.”
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Amadi said, “I thank God for empowering me and keeping me alive. I thank NLNG for putting on this event after they discovered me.
“This award is not a victory, but it is the beginning of victory for 846 babies that die every day.
“My core message to the youths is that I want to create a better Prof. Amadi for them.
“The youths in this country can dream big; they can make time challenges, as I have demonstrated in the last 27 years. Today, we celebrate this dogged work. “In 30 years’ time, we want to see these youths change this country positively.
“For my students and mentees, as they have watched me work hard and tirelessly, I want them to be the best task masters in the next 10 years, as they have nick-named me because I know that they can do better than me.
Also speaking at the event, Prof Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Kano and Special Guest of honour said, “Refinition is something that should reverberate throughout each of us and every aspect of our life.
“The opportunity for NLNG to reshape Nigeria has arrived. Trying to redefine the importance of people in our lives is one of the finest ideals we can have.
“The Central Bank examines the figure as the rate of inflation rises. If you fix the exchange rate, it just affects the quantity. Consider all the folks who can afford their medical fees and continue to live.
”For our leaders, is it not time to redefine their roles and start thinking of their actions?
“Can you say that after four or eight years in office, you have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians?
I commend NLNG for promoting intellectual works and am proud that a Nigerian company is doing this for Nigerians.
“It is time for all of us as Nigerians to redefine our image.
NLNG is bringing these faces to light and I hope more Nigerians will be brought to light.
“Professor Amadi has not forgotten his roots and has used his knowledge to improve the country.
“Nigerians in the Diaspora should not condemn Nigeria but use their positions to redefine their roles. Before they put pen to paper, what is the implication of what they are writing? Is it beneficial to Nigerians?”
Prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature are the four literary categories that alternate each year for the Nigeria Prize for Literature.
