By RICHARD INYA, BM NAGIDI

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has officially announced the winners of its 2025 Literary Prizes.

The results were unveiled on the 1st day of November, 2025, during the grand dinner and award-giving ceremony marking the conclusion of the 44th ANA International Convention. The event took place at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Center, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Abuja.

In his opening address, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) congratulated all the writers who competed for the ANA Prizes in 2025, describing them as "torchbearers of creativity and conscience." He remarked that the sheer quality of entries received across genres demonstrates that Nigerian literature continues to flourish in diversity, depth, and innovation. "There are strong indicators that creativity is thriving in Nigeria," he stated.

The President also used the opportunity to extend profound appreciation to the benefactors and sponsors whose generous endowments have sustained ANA's prize culture. "Words are not enough to express our gratitude to King Bubraye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Col. K. K. Shaw (Rtd.) of KMVL, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Dr. Kabura Zakama, and Mr. Onyeka Nwelue," Dr. Akanbi said. "They have given new stimuli to the creativity of our country. We pray that other individuals and organizations will learn from their noble examples."

ANA further expressed gratitude to the distinguished panel of judges?Prof. Musa Idris Okpanachi, Prof. Oyeh Otu, Mr. Aj. Dagga Tolar, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, and Mr. Nzube Nlebedim?for their selfless service in evaluating the submissions and ensuring fairness, transparency, and intellectual rigor throughout the process.

For the ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize, the shortlisted works were Stoning the Wind by Gbemisola Adeoti, Girls and The Silhouette of Form by Star Zahra, and JAPA: Elegy for Nigerians by Toyin Shittu. The judges found Adeoti's work profoundly rooted in tradition and patriotism, while Zahra's linguistic innovation and emotional resonance impressed the panel. Shittu's exploration of migration and national disillusionment added to the richness of the selection. The judges declared joint winners: Gbemisola Adeoti and Star Zahra.

The ANA/King Dakolo Fiction Prize went to Olumide Olutola for his novel Habitat of Ordinary People, which was praised for its authentic characterization and social realism. Other shortlisted works were Riddles in the Shadows by Ebi Robert and Shackles of Freedom by Onyeka Ike.

In the ANA Drama Prize category, the shortlisted plays were Colours of Madness by Ikechukwu Asika, Ogiehgieh the Musical by Davidfyncountry Austine Ogbadu, and The Great Delusion by Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon. The judges described Ebhohon's winning play, The Great Delusion, as a powerful exploration of Black identity and Western erasure of African contributions, executed with experimental flair.

The ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Non-Fiction Prize was awarded to David Hundeyin for Breaking Point, recognized for its investigative depth and engagement with contemporary social issues. Other finalists were Grips of Grief by Ayo Deforge and The Jungle by David Hundeyin.

In the ANA/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize for Children's Fiction, David Okorafor emerged winner with The Boy Who Built a Titanic Craft, a tale of courage and innovation that captured the imagination of readers and judges alike. Other shortlisted books were ?The Children at the IDP Camp? by Olatunbosun Taofeek and ?The Saint Sisters Mystery Club? by Stephanie Chizoba-Odili.

No entries were received this year for the ANA/Amina Talaku Zakama Prize for Literary Criticism. However, the Prize Administrator has exercised the right to select a deserving book to receive the award in due course.

The 2025 ANA Literary Prizes reaffirm the Association's enduring mission to promote Nigerian literature and celebrate its creators. Under Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi's leadership, ANA continues to stand as a beacon of creative integrity, national pride, and intellectual excellence?ensuring that the voices of Nigerian writers remain loud, relevant, and transformative.

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