PAAU Alumnus Peter Ogohi Salifu Wins SONTA-Olu Obafemi Prize for Playwriting

Peter Ogohi Salifu, an esteemed alumnus and current staff member of the Theatre Arts Department at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), has been honored with the SONTA-Olu Obafemi Prize for Playwriting (2024). This prestigious accolade was awarded during the 37th International Conference of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), hosted at the Federal University Lokoja.

The SONTA-Olu Obafemi Prize, named in honor of the acclaimed playwright Professor Olu Obafemi, recognizes outstanding talent and innovation in the field of playwriting. This year’s competition was fierce, with Salifu’s play, "Sons of an Ancestor," emerging as the top entry from a pool of nine exceptional submissions.

Professor Gowon Doki, President of SONTA, announced Salifu as the recipient, highlighting the exceptional quality of his work. In his acceptance speech, Salifu expressed profound gratitude towards Prince Abubakar Audu University for the foundational support and encouragement he received during his academic and creative pursuits. He particularly praised the Theatre Arts Department, which he credited for shaping his career and artistic development.

Salifu is celebrated not only as a playwright but also as a theatre director, critic, and applied theatre researcher. His versatile contributions to theatre, media, and performance continue to mark him as a significant figure in the field.

This recognition underscores the University’s commitment to fostering talent and excellence in the arts, reaffirming its role in nurturing creative minds who make impactful contributions to the cultural landscape.