Nigeria’s Next Literary Stars: Young Adult Literature Prize Names Six Regional Champions
THE TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has announced six regional winners of the 2026 Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP), marking another milestone in its efforts to discover emerging writers and promote excellence in young adult literature.
Each zonal winner will receive ₦500,000 in recognition of their literary achievements. Meanwhile, the competition will advance to the next stage on 31 October 2026, when organisers will announce a shortlist of three writers ahead of the grand finale.
The award ceremony is scheduled for 18 November 2026, when the overall winner will emerge and receive an additional ₦1.5 million. Consequently, the grand prize winner will take home a total of ₦2 million, including the regional award.
Six Writers Emerge from Nigeria’s Geopolitical Zones
The regional winners represent different backgrounds, experiences and literary interests, reflecting the diversity of contemporary Nigerian storytelling.
Yemi Hanson, a UK-based Nigerian writer and author of three published books, emerged as the South-West zonal winner. His titles include The Triumph of Childhood Trials, The King’s Little Finger and Other Stories and Morounmubo: Beauty from Ashes. In addition, his literary achievements include a shortlist placement for the 2021 Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Best Children’s Literature.
From the South-South Zone, Akpoturu Ogheneruonano emerged as the winner. The Delta State-born writer is also a youth advocate and emerging communications strategist. His book, The Crown Within: A Young Dreamer’s Triumph, reflects his interest in education, leadership, youth empowerment and social transformation.
Meanwhile, Umar Ibrahim won the North-Central regional category. Known for fantastical stories shaped by curiosity, imagination and exploration, Ibrahim spent years editing and promoting the work of other writers before stepping forward to showcase his own storytelling.
In the North-East, Sa’adatu Njidda of Borno State secured the regional title. She founded Intalks with Sir’ah, a literary platform dedicated to discovering, reviewing and promoting books by Northern Nigerian authors. Through her writing, she explores everyday lives and perspectives that contemporary Nigerian fiction often overlooks.
Aisha Al-amin Adam emerged as the North-West winner. The Nigerian writer, trained librarian and English teacher draws on her interests in young adult literature, Hausa folklore and children’s religious storybooks. Her work explores identity, courage, family and hope while celebrating cultural heritage.
Completing the list, Chinenye Chizitere Opara won the South-East category. A Zoology graduate from Imo State, she works as a teacher and virtual assistant while pursuing her writing. Her stories draw inspiration from personal experiences, everyday observations and her desire to build meaningful connections with readers.
Three-Writer Shortlist to Set Up Grand Finale
With the zonal winners now announced, attention will shift to the shortlist of three writers expected on 31 October 2026. That announcement will narrow the field ahead of the 18th November award ceremony.
At the finale, the organisers will select the overall winner from among the regional champions. The successful writer will receive an additional ₦1.5 million, bringing the total prize to ₦2 million.
Beyond the financial reward, the competition seeks to give promising writers greater visibility and encourage them to produce work that engages young readers, stimulates critical thinking and enriches Nigeria’s literary landscape.
YALP Builds on Previous Award Successes
Established by the TY Buratai Literary Initiative, the Young Adult Literature Prize aims to recognise literary excellence, nurture emerging talent and encourage reading and writing among young people.
The competition has also begun building a record of recognising Nigerian writers. In 2025, Daughters of Ashes by Adoo Guyuu of Benue State won the prize. Earlier, Dr Taofeek Olatunbosun claimed the inaugural award in 2024 with Truth and Dare.
As the 2026 edition approaches its climax, TYBLI has congratulated all participating writers and celebrated the regional winners. The forthcoming shortlist and grand finale will determine which of the six zonal champions secures the top honour.
For the emerging writers, however, the recognition already offers an opportunity to reach wider audiences and contribute to the development of young adult literature in Nigeria.
