The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the winners of its 2025 Literary Prizes at a grand ceremony held on November 1, 2025, at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Center, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Abuja. The awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the 44th ANA International Convention.

The Winners

ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize (Joint Winners) 

The judges declared joint winners for this prize:

Gbemisola Adeoti for Stoning the Wind, and Star Zahra for Girls and the Silhouette of Form. Zahra made history as the first female poet published by Masobe Books.

The third shortlisted work was JAPA: Elegy for Nigerians by Toyin Shittu, which explored migration and national disillusionment.

ANA/Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature

Ndidi Chiazor Enenmor  for her novel See Morocco, See Spain. The book stands out for its emotional portrayal of migration as it captures the stark realities faced by young Africans who risk everything as they journey across the Sahara and the Mediterranean in search of a better life.

ANA/King Dakolo Fiction Prize

Olumide Olutola for Habitat of Ordinary People, praised for its authentic characterization and social realism.

Other shortlisted works: Riddles in the Shadows by Ebi Robert and Shackles of Freedom by Onyeka Ike.

ANA Drama Prize

Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon for The Great Delusion.

Other shortlisted plays: Colours of Madness by Ikechukwu Asika and Ogiehgieh the Musical by Davidfnycountry Austine Ogbadu.

ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Non-Fiction Prize

David Hundeyin for Breaking Point, recognized for its “investigative depth and engagement with contemporary social issues.”

Other finalists: Grips of Grief by Ayo Deforge and The Jungle by David Hundeyin.

ANA/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize for Children’s Fiction

David Okorafor for The Boy Who Built a Titanic Craft.

Other finalists: The Children at the IDP Camp by Olatunbosun Taofeek and The Saint Sisters Mystery Club by Stephanie Chizoba-Odili.

ANA/Amina Talaku Zakama Prize for Literary Criticism

No entries were received this year. The prize administrator will exercise the right to select a deserving book to receive the award in due course.

The Association of Nigerian Authors was founded in 1981 by novelist Chinua Achebe, who served as its founding president.

We previously covered the full shortlist for these prizes.

Congratulations to all the winners!