Nigerian Writer Johwor Ile bags Etisalat Prize For Literature for his novel ‘And After Many Days’

Chair of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Helon Habila; Winner, 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Jowhor Ile and CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher

The Nigerian literary community was elated when one of theirs, Johwor Ile was announced the winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature 2016, for his novel, And After Many Days.

The judging panel chaired by award-winning novelist and poet, Helon Habila announced the winner at an award ceremony which held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on May 20, 2017.

Winner, 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Jowhor Ile

Ile received £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen and a mobile device.

Other rewards for Ile include an Etisalat-sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia where he will be mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland. He and the two runners-up will participate in a multi-city book tour of three African.

Elvis Daniels- Adebisi Idowu, Jacqui L’Ange, Jowhor Ile, Julie Iromuanya, Matthew Willsher and Wole Obasunloye

He and the two runners-up will participate in a multi-city book tour of three African countries also sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria.

Furthermore, Etisalat will purchase 1,000 copies of their books for distribution to schools, libraries and book clubs across Africa.

Edwige-Renée Dro, Jacqui L’Ange, Jowhor Ile, Elinor Sisulu, Julie Iromuanya and Helon Habila

The runners-up for the prize include Another Nigerian, Julie Iromuanya, author of the book, Mr & Mrs Doctor, and a South African, Jacqui L’Ange, author of The Seed Thief.

Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, congratulated the winner and the runners-up and restated the company’s commitment to continuously offer Nigerians and other Africans the best platforms to express their passion and creativity.

Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, Jacqui L’Ange, Jowhor Ile, Julie Iromuanya and Margaret Busby

Past winners of the Etisalat Prize for Literature include Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fiston Mwanza Mujila, for his novel, Tram 83; South African writer, Songeziwe Mahlangu for his novel, Penumbra and Zimbabwean writer NoViolet Bulawayo for her novel, We Need New Names.

VP, Marketing, Adebisi Idowu; Head, Events & Sponsorship, Modupe Thani; Mgr. Trade Marketing, Dolapo Kehinde and Head, Media Planning, Gerald Osugo all of Etisalat

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a Guest and Kelechi Amadi-Obi

Helon Habila, Victor Ehikhamenor, Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, Tony Kan, Mrs. Okonkwo_ Margaret Busby and Edwige-Renée Dro

Bunmi Oke_ Isreal Opayemi_ Head, Environmental Compliance and PR, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluseyi Osunsedo_ Deborah Willsher

Performance by Poet Titi Sonuga

Stage enactment of Mr. and Mrs. Doctor by Julie Iromuanya

Stage enactment of The Seed Thief by Jacqui L’Ange

On-stage enactment of The Seed Thief by Jacqui L’Ange

Cast and crew of the stage performances directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa

Tani Fafunwa and guests

Kolawole Oke, Bunmi Oke and Soni Irabor

Patron, Etisalat Prize for Literature; Ellah Wakatama Allfrey; CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; and Dir. Regional Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Victor Nwaobia

Julie Iromuanya and guests

Dir. Digital Business, Etisalat, Adia Sowho; Nisha Malhan; and Dir. Consumer Segments, Etisalat, Adeolu Dairo

Art exhibition

Guests at the art exhibition

Guests at the exhibition

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