United Nigeria Airlines Commits N20m to Achebe Prize

United Nigeria Airlines has committed to sponsoring the Chinua Achebe Prize for Fiction with a pledge of N20 million over the next decade, providing N2 million annually to the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). This sponsorship was announced by the airline’s Executive Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, after discussions with ANA President, Dr. Usman Akanbi.

The prize, established in 2021 by the Anambra State Government in partnership with ANA, has encountered funding difficulties following the withdrawal of state government support. Former Governor Willie Obiano initiated the prize with an annual contribution of N1 million, which was increased to N2 million by his successor, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, before funding ceased after two years.

Okonkwo emphasized the importance of Achebe's legacy and the need for consistent funding for the award. Akanbi expressed gratitude for the airline's intervention, noting Achebe's role as a founder of ANA and his significant contributions to African literature.