Oyindamola Olugbile Wins 2025 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature
Nigerian-born author and cultural storyteller, Oyindamola Olugbile, has been awarded the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). She clinched the prestigious $100,000 prize with her debut novel, Sanya, which reimagines the legacy of the Yoruba deity Ṣàngó through a powerful female protagonist.
The announcement was made on Friday night at the NLNG Grand Award Night 2025, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Edward I, CON, DSSRS, JP, Perekule XI, Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom. The evening was compered by Mojibade Sosanya and Eyinna Nwigwe.
Olugbile’s novel stood out among the shortlisted entries, defeating works by acclaimed authors Chigozie Obioma and Nikki May. The Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, praised Sanya for its “distinct and daring” approach to mythology retelling, masterful plotting, and characterisation. The novel blends traditional Yoruba culture with modern fantasy, drawing comparisons to the works of authors like Tomi Adeyemi and Nnedi Okorafor.
A graduate of the University of Lagos with a B.A. (Hons) in Creative Arts, Olugbile also holds postgraduate certificates from Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School Online, and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG). She earned an MSc from King’s College London and works as a Social Impact Management Consultant. Additionally, she serves as the Chief Curator of the Experience Factory, an education enterprise that curates out-of-classroom learning experiences for young people.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, established in 2004, is one of the country’s most prestigious literary awards. The 2025 edition, themed “Inspire,” focused on prose fiction. The prize underscores the enduring power of literature to shape identity and deepen understanding, as noted by NLNG CEO Mr. Philip Mshelbila during the ceremony. He also announced the renaming of The Nigeria Prize for Science to The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, reflecting NLNG’s belief that progress depends as much on creativity and fresh thinking as on technology and infrastructure.
In her acceptance speech, Olugbile expressed gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the rich tapestry of African stories that continue to inspire generations. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse narratives that shape the continent.
The 2025 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature not only celebrates Olugbile’s literary achievement but also highlights the growing prominence of African authors in the global literary arena. Her victory serves as an inspiration to emerging writers and reaffirms the significance of African narratives in the world of literature.