Nigerian Poet Tares Oburumu: 'Consistency Wins' in NLNG Shortlist Journey
Nigerian poet and essayist Tares Oburumu has earned his spot among the final three for the prestigious NLNG Prize for Literature with his book Flora's Love Colony. For Oburumu, this recognition goes beyond personal achievement. It validates years of dedication to writing, mentoring over 1,000 young poets, and digging deep into Nigeria's complex history through literature.
Oburumu's shortlisted work explores a question many Nigerians have never stopped to ask: where did the name Nigeria actually come from? The book examines the colonial forces that shaped the nation, inspired by an article from Flora Shaw, wife of Frederick Lord Lugard, the man who consolidated British control over the region.
What made the shortlist moment so shocking for Oburumu?
When the longlist dropped, Oburumu was excited. When the shortlist came, he was genuinely stunned. The competition was fierce. Eleven writers made the longlist, many of them assistant professors, authors of multiple books, or scholars studying abroad. Only about four were home-based like him.
When I saw my name on the shortlist, I was shocked. Initially, I thought the longlist would be the end for me.
That shock quickly turned to joy. For any Nigerian writer, making the shortlist of a prize with this kind of legacy is a dream in itself. But Oburumu keeps his feet on the ground. He insists the real validation will come when readers pick up his book and find something that touches their lives.
Why did Oburumu write Flora's Love Colony?
The inspiration struck when Oburumu stumbled on an article by Flora Shaw while reading. That discovery sparked a deeper question about how Nigeria was formed and why so few Nigerians know their own history. The push to remove history from secondary school curricula only strengthened his resolve.
I realised that many people do not know the history of Nigeria. That discovery inspired me to write the book.
For Oburumu, this book is about reclaiming the story. It's about making sure young Nigerians understand the forces that shaped the country they call home.
What would winning the NLNG Prize mean for his community?
Oburumu has a bigger plan beyond the prize money. He dreams of building a library in his village in Delta State, a place where he grew up without access to books. He remembers sitting on the floor for classes, with no school library and no books to read. He didn't hold his first hardcover book until he was 14, when he found Things Fall Apart and Chike and the River in a makeshift cupboard library in his grandfather's house.
That experience shaped him. Now he wants to give the next generation what he never had. He has already told the children in his village that before the end of this year, he will start the library with a solid collection of books. Winning the prize would fast-track that promise.
What advice does Oburumu give to young writers who didn't make the shortlist?
His message is simple and direct: keep writing. Rejection is part of the game. You fail, you get up, you write again. You fail, you get up, you write again.
Consistency wins. And when consistency wins, you win equally.
He points out that the NLNG Prize is not the only one out there. The Booker Prize and other international awards are within reach. The key is to keep submitting, keep improving, and never give up. Because the moment you quit, you'll never know what was waiting for you.
How long has Oburumu been writing?
Oburumu started serious writing after university, though his journey began earlier. Growing up in a village without nursery school or libraries delayed his start. He began reading at 14, discovered his love for literature through Chinua Achebe, and officially picked up writing in 2010. Since then, he has been published in numerous journals and magazines and has contributed to seven poetry chapbooks.
His story is proof that where you start doesn't determine where you end. From a village classroom floor to the shortlist of Nigeria's most prestigious literary prize, Oburumu's journey is one of persistence, pride, and purpose.
Now, as the literary world waits for the final announcement, one thing is clear: Tares Oburumu has already won, whether the trophy comes home or not. Because he stayed consistent. And consistency, as he says, wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NLNG Prize for Literature?
The NLNG Prize is one of Nigeria's most prestigious literary awards, established to recognize outstanding works by Nigerian writers. It has a long history of honoring both established and emerging voices in Nigerian literature.
What is Flora's Love Colony about?
Flora's Love Colony explores the colonial history behind the name Nigeria, examining how the country was formed and the forces that shaped its identity. The book was inspired by an article written by Flora Shaw, wife of Frederick Lord Lugard.
How many poets has Tares Oburumu mentored?
Oburumu has mentored more than 1,000 young Nigerian poets throughout his career. He has also been involved in the publication of seven poetry chapbooks and has been published in several journals and magazines.