“ANA Crowns 2025 Literary Champions: Adeoti, Zahra, Hundeyin, Olutola, Others Shine At Abuja Awards Night”
By DAVID JOHN-FLUKE
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) brought its 44th International Convention to a stirring close on 1 November 2025, with a glittering awards dinner celebrating the nation’s finest writers. The ceremony, held at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Center, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Abuja, marked the announcement of the winners of the 2025 ANA Literary Prizes—Nigeria’s most enduring celebration of literary excellence.
In his opening remarks, ANA President Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi hailed all participants as “torchbearers of creativity and conscience,” noting that the volume and quality of entries received this year reaffirm Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse of literary imagination.
“There are strong indicators that creativity is thriving in Nigeria,” Dr. Akanbi declared, as applause rippled through the audience of writers, publishers, and dignitaries.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the benefactors and prize sponsors whose generosity continues to sustain the nation’s literary ecosystem: King Bubraye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Col. K. K. Shaw (Rtd.) of KMVL, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Dr. Kabura Zakama, and Mr. Onyeka Nwelue.
“They have given new stimuli to the creativity of our country,” the ANA President said. “We pray that others will emulate their noble example.”
ANA also commended the panel of judges—Prof. Musa Idris Okpanachi, Prof. Oyeh Otu, Mr. Aj. Dagga Tolar, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, and Mr. Nzube Nlebedim—for their dedication to fairness, transparency, and intellectual rigor throughout the evaluation process.
Highlights of the 2025 ANA Literary Prize Winners
🏆 ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize (Joint Winners):
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Gbemisola Adeoti – “Stoning the Wind”
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Star Zahra – “Girls and The Silhouette of Form”
The judges praised Adeoti’s work for its deep cultural resonance and patriotism, while Zahra’s linguistic inventiveness and emotional range earned equal admiration. Toyin Shittu’s JAPA: Elegy for Nigerians also received commendation for its poignant meditation on migration and national despair.
🏆 ANA/King Dakolo Fiction Prize:
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Olumide Olutola – “Habitat of Ordinary People”
Olutola’s novel, a compelling exploration of everyday resilience, triumphed over Riddles in the Shadows by Ebi Robert and Shackles of Freedom by Onyeka Ike.
🏆 ANA Drama Prize:
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Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon – “The Great Delusion”
The panel described the winning play as a bold interrogation of Black identity and Western cultural dominance, rendered with “experimental brilliance and emotional conviction.”
🏆 ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Non-Fiction Prize:
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David Hundeyin – “Breaking Point”
Hundeyin’s hard-hitting investigative narrative stood out for its “courage, depth, and relevance to Nigeria’s current social realities.” Also shortlisted were Grips of Grief by Ayo Deforge and The Jungle by Hundeyin.
🏆 ANA/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize for Children’s Fiction:
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David Okorafor – “The Boy Who Built a Titanic Craft”
Okorafor’s inspiring story of creativity and determination won over the judges for its “heartwarming message and imaginative power.” Other finalists included 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, though the Prize Administrator indicated that a deserving work may still be recognized in due course.
Literature as Legacy
Beyond the trophies and applause, this year’s prizes reaffirmed ANA’s enduring mission: to champion literary excellence, nurture emerging voices, and preserve the moral and cultural fabric of Nigeria through words.
Under Dr. Akanbi’s leadership, ANA has continued to evolve into a vibrant hub of intellectual and creative exchange—keeping faith with the vision of its founders and the spirit of literary icons such as Chinua Achebe and Mamman Vatsa.
As the night drew to a close, writers and guests mingled under the Abuja night sky—united by a single conviction: that storytelling remains Nigeria’s truest mirror and its brightest hope.
