Prof. Bole Butake, winner of the maiden edition of the Eko Literary Prize talks about its significance and impact on creative writing in Cameroon.

This December you will be handed 1,000 US dollars (approximately FCFA 500,000) and a commemorative plaque in recognition of your achievements as a writer. How do you feel and what is your assessment of the prize?

Each time an artist or writer receives this kind of distinction, one is always happy. It is not always that what one does is acknowledged as being important. When I received the information and the news about the prize, especially as it is the maiden issue, I was delighted and I thank God for the opportunity to receive the prize.

It is not the money that is important but the commemorative plaque, as far as I am concerned. It gives one a lot of pleasure and encourages one to work more hard. At one time, I felt I had written everything that I could write as far as the subject matter in Cameroon was concerned. But when I look around, there is still a lot of material to be exploited. It also gives me the encouragement to go back to my pen and start writing again.

What is the Eko Prize and are all Cameroonians eligible?

The Eko Prize for Literature emanated from the name Eko, a Cameroonian based in the United States. He initiated the prize in partnership with the Anglophone Cameroon Writers’ Association (ACWA). The main intention is to encourage English-speaking Cameroonians to write literature in all the areas like drama, poetry, novel and even essay. It is the first time that the prize is being awarded and we hope it will be repeated every year.

In July this year you won the Edu Arts award for “Trailblazers” and now the Eko Prize for Literature. What is the significance for Cameroon?

Each time I go to the internet and browse my name and I see the number of entries that are there, it gives me a lot of encouragement. Since I am a Cameroonian writer and people know me more abroad than here, it gives me and the country the honour that at least they have someone who is recognized as an important writer in the world. The University of Yaounde I as well also gains reputation.

Many students in various universities in Cameroon are writing dissertations on my work on various levels and it gives a name to the institution. I am not used to blowing my trumpet, but it is a good thing. The fact that one is recognized by other people like the Edu Arts and now the Eko Prize, makes me feel fulfilled.

Inadequate equipment and limited finances have always been your department’s major challenges yet you succeed to work and win recognition. What is your secret?

If we cry of inadequacy in equipment, it is because we believe that we could give more to our students. But if we had cameras and editing material, it will go a long way to equip our students. It is also true that many of my students are coming up with lots and lots of works and it gives us the encouragement, but it would have been best if we had better equipment to give them better training. And this will make the country shine more on the international scene and also give them better chances of excelling.

When you talk of giving more, what are you referring to?

We have the capacity to raise awareness among students and teaching in the university is not like simply giving them notes to copy but opening them up. Initiating them to coming up with projects in different areas is our priority. Without equipment, you cannot ask students to carry out projects. Having only one camera is already an impediment to over 10 students who want to work. Despite all, I am glad that many of our students are picking up and looking forward to grapping prizes.