The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the winners of its 2026 Literary Prizes at its 45th National Convention, held in Abuja. Announced on October 30, the awards recognised writers across poetry, fiction, drama, literary criticism, nonfiction, children’s fiction and young adult literature. The winners are:

• ANA/KMVL Prize for Poetry: Jide Salawu, Contraband Bodies
• ANA/King Dakolo Prize for Fiction: Onyikan Braithwaite, Cursed Daughters
• ANA Prize for Drama: Selome Medemaku, The Throne of Silence, and Bolaji Olatunde, Life Less Abundant (joint winners)
• ANA/Amina Talaku Zakama Prize for Literary Criticism: Ekikerebong Aniekan Usoro, “Postcolonialism in Transition”
• ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Prize for Non-Fiction: Chude Jideonwo, How Depression Saved My Life
• ANA/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize for Children’s Fiction: Foluke Sijuwola Falayi, Beans for Supper
• HRM Eze M. O. Kanu/ANA Prize for Young Adult Literature: Erhu Kome, The Smoke that Thunders

The 45th National Convention was hosted at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Abuja under the theme “Literature, National Security, and the Place of Nigeria in the World.” The gathering brought together writers, poets, academics and literary practitioners for conversations on literature, national identity, peace and security. Its programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, literary performances, a convention play, book presentations and an exhibition of publications from ANA’s state chapters. The convention also marked the unveiling of new hotel and apartment facilities at the Writers’ Village, named in honour of literary figures and individuals who contributed to its development.

Founded in 1981 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, following a gathering convened by renowned novelist Chinua Achebe, the Association of Nigerian Authors has spent more than four decades promoting Nigerian writing and providing a platform for writers across the country. Its annual literary prizes recognise achievement across different genres and generations of writers. The 2026 awards continue this tradition, celebrating contributions to Nigerian literature across established and emerging forms of creative and critical writing.

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