Philip Begho

PHILIP BEGHO, a lawyer-turned-writer, is an award-winning Nigerian author who has published over 250 books. He has won prizes in drama and prose, as well as children’s fiction. He is an alumnus of the University of Lagos and the University of London (London School of Economics).

His wide-ranging interest has seen him in a varied career that has spanned journalism, banking, business, legal practice and university teaching. He has also engaged in film and theatrical production.

When he is not writing or editing, he engages in teens counselling and career coaching. He also finds time to run informal play-and-learn groups for children. He enjoys walking, swimming and playing tennis.

“I began writing at the age of eleven at King's College Lagos,” says he, “and my stories were published in the school magazine. Being able to break out from working as a lawyer to working as a writer has been a dream come true. The price has been steep, but the fulfilment of any dream sweetens the painful price that must be paid.”

Literary Recognition and Prizes

1) Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Drama Prize 1994 (Esther)

2) Lire en Fête Short Story 1st Prize 2001 (All Things Work Together)

3) Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Drama Prize 2002 (Job's Wife)

4) Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Children's Literature 2003 (Aunty Felicia)

5) Isidore Okpewho Prose Prize 2003 (Songbird)

6) Long List, Nigeria Prize for Literature 2004 (Songbird)

7) Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Children's Literature 2005 (Aunty Felicia Returns)

8) Long List, Nigeria Prize for Literature 2010 (Leopard Woman)

9) Penultimate Short List, Nigeria Prize for Literature 2011 (Aunty Felicia Goes to School)

10) Short List, Golden Baobab Prize for Picture Books 2013 (The Princess with a Golden Voice)

11) Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Children's Literature 2016 (Water-Carrier Millionaire)