•Unigwe
Olayinka Yaqub has been awarded the prestigious 2023 ACT Award for her captivating short story, “The Weight of Duty.”
The Awele Creative Trust announced the winner in a statement that said the judges praised Yaqub’s narrative, which follows Wura’s poignant journey as she grapples with the conflict between personal desires and societal obligations, for its heartfelt portrayal and rich cultural backdrop,
The judges also commended Yaqub for her masterful use of language and the compelling portrayal of Wura’s struggle. “Yaqub succeeds in delivering a thoughtful, entertaining read,” the judges remarked.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the ACT Award, Yaqub takes home a prize of N100,000, marking a significant milestone in her literary career.
The Trust was founded by award winning writer, Chike Unigwe, who is also its creative director.
The annual short story prize was conceived to encourage aspiring writers in Nigeria.
Awele Creative Trust, a non-profit organisation, was set up in 2014 with Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, Prof. Femi Osofisan, Kanene Dieobi and Ichie Nnaeto Orazulike as board members.
The first ACT was awarded in January 2015 to Caleb Adebayo. The judges over the years included Justine Labalestier, Brian Chikwava, Toni Kan Onwordi, Madeleine Thien, Joe Dunthorne, Chibundu Onuzo, Vamba Sherif and Monica Arac d’Nyeko.