The literary magazine Black Boy Review has announced the winners of its book grant.

Worth over 100,000 naira, the book grant is aimed at curtailing the financial inhibition faced by young writers at the formative stage of their careers by providing them with books and literary materials. The project is a fund in vouchers for Nigerian-based writers between the ages of 18 and 25, disbursing books by African authors to the winners twice a year.

The 2021 winners are Daniel Somtochukwu Ogba in first place with N50,000, Omodero Oghenekaro in second place with N30,000, and Ogbor Jesutekevwe Favour in third place with N20,000.

According to the organizers, the winners’ applications “were assessed and judged based on need and applicants’ presence in Nigeria’s literary community.” The winners are permitted to order any African literary titles they want using their winnings through the partner bookstore Ouida Books. The grant is supported by CNN correspondent Stephanie Busari and Nigerian poet Romeo Oriogun.

A wonderful initiative!

Congratulations to the writers.