It was indeed a full house as acclaimed writers and lovers of literary work of arts converge in Lagos Friday to unveil award winning novel SANYA’.Written by debutant author Oyindamola Olugbile.
The 189 pages novel is a captivating story about power, misunderstood power and burden of carrying it.Olugbile who holds a Bachelors Degree in Creative Arts from the University of Lagos revealed that the book took her about five years to write while the idea of the project was sown in her mind in 2017.
The self-confessed die-hard fan of nobel laureate wole soyinka joined the audience virtually and was elated by the reading, semi-dramatisation and review of her book.While expressing gratitude to all who attended the event hosted by Lagos Books And Arts Festival (LABAF), she encouraged those desirous to write not to allow their dreams die no matter the challenge.
Olugbile, who revealed she was rejected by an unnamed publisher along the line, said, “If you are rejected, look at the script again. Once you get rejected and it is bound to happen, don’t be dejected, look at the script again, it could be discouraging, that is the truth but if in the long run you get accepted, go into the discussion with your eyes open, with all you have including, legal representation.
“I was determined not to self-publish, I was ready to go through a publishing house that will represent me all the way. “Recall that Olugbile’s novel won the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature (NPL) with a prize sum of $100,000 (about N165 million) courtesy of Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).”
NLNG’s sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s literary and creative landscape, celebrating the synergy between LABAF and the enduring legacy of the Prize.
Despite the abundant knowledge inherent in books, participants expressed worry over poor reading habit that has enveloped the society like a virus.
Meanwhile NLNG has announced that it’s portal will be open in February 2026, for youths between 18 and 35 to showcase their story telling skills and earn life changing largesse for their effort.
All they need to do is a short documentary of their Nigerian identity. The entry according to Corporate Affairs Department of the company will end in April.
