The Society of Authors revealed that McKitterick Prize honours the first novel by a writer aged over 40.

Speaking at the Authors’ Awards ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, the Prize Judge,  Aamer Hussein said: “It’s a particular pleasure to discover the original, intriguing voice of Anietie Isong. 

"In his brief, deftly told Radio Sunrise, the author depicts his often-hapless protagonist’s sexual mishaps and political travails on a journey to his hometown with a unique blend of humour and poignance. An intriguing and accomplished new novelist.”

Receiving the prize from broadcaster and actor, Stephen Fry, at the well attended event by over 400 guests from across the publishing industry, the Nigerian-British writer said,  “I wrote Radio Sunrise to help draw attention to a myriad of issues in Nigeria, and I am thrilled that this resonated with the judges.”

Anietie, who is the brother of Emem Isong, an award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, with this feat, joins a distinguished line of previous winners like Helen Dunmore, Petina Gappah and Mark Haddon.

Apart from receiving the £4000 prize money, Anietie Isong has received previous awards like a Commonwealth Short Story Award and the Remember Oluwale Writing Prize.

He has worked as a journalist, speechwriter and communications manager in Nigeria and the UK. He holds a PhD in New Media and Writing. 

He will be speaking at the Marlborough Literature Festival in the UK, in September.