Ivorian Writer snubs 1M prize, citing unfair treatment of intellectuals

Tiburce Koffi, 69, from Bouaké, reportedly refsued to collect the sum of 1,000,000 as award money for winning the maiden edition of the Bernard Dadie, writing competition. He said the organizers “insulted” him by giving such a minial amount, despite his high intellectual level.

The Ivorian teacher, writer, musician, playwright and journalist said, “How can anyone give the Ivorian Miss 10,000,000 CFA francs, a villa and so much more for exposing her buttocks and breasts to the world?
But to reward an intellectual who has proved himself in his field with an insignificant sum? My success depends on me and my body, and I think we need to start valuing intellectual value more than trivialities.”

While social media comments were favourbale to his actions, one person had a contrary view, “No, Tirbuce Koffi is a writer and a man of culture who has held and continues to hold high positions in this field in Côte d’Ivoire. The Bernard Dadié Prize is a tribute to a famous Ivorian writer set up by Ivorian writers who are not billionaires. They have neither sponsors nor patrons for this event, but use their own funds. Why doesn’t Tirbuce know that this is the amount awarded to the winner? This means that he is not involved in the cultural affairs of his country, apart from seeking political appointments through his statements. The state cultural body that manages the prize could very well have financed it thanks to the huge sums of money it raises. Tirbuce Koffi mocked his colleagues by calling them miserable and did not respect the image of the famous writer who has been associated with this prize by this reaction. He should not be celebrated, but rather apologised to this corporation.”