ANA Unveils Judges for HRM Eze M.O. Kanu/ANA Prize for Young Adult Literature

 ANA UNVEILS JUDGES FOR HRM EZE M. O. KANU/ANA PRIZE FOR YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has officially unveiled the panel of judges for the maiden edition of the HRM Eze M. O. Kanu/ANA Prize for Young Adult Literature, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to promoting literary excellence among young readers and writers in Nigeria.

This announcement was contained in a press statement jointly issued by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, who reaffirmed the association’s dedication to nurturing emerging voices in the literary space.

According to the statement, the prize is endowed by the estate of the late HRM Eze Dr. Sir Maxwell Omeire Kanu (KSC), a revered traditional ruler and patron of the arts. Until his passing, he served as the traditional ruler of Ezejie Autonomous Community in Arondizuogu, Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State, and was also a former chairman of the popular Agura Hotel in Abuja.

The late monarch was widely celebrated for his passion for literature and unwavering support for literary initiatives across Nigeria. The establishment of this prize seeks to immortalize his legacy while fostering a culture of reading and creative expression among young adults.

The distinguished panel of judges selected for the maiden edition comprises Dr. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho, Jide Ogunlana, and Sonnie Okoh, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and credibility to the adjudication process.

Dr. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho is a prominent cultural administrator, writer, and academic with extensive contributions to cultural policy and literary development. She currently serves as Chairperson of the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI), an organization dedicated to promoting literacy among Nigerian youth.

Jide Ogunlana is an award-winning children’s writer, novelist, editor, playwright, and professional publisher, whose works have significantly enriched children’s and young adult literature in Nigeria. Similarly, Sonnie Okoh is an accomplished writer, editor, and publisher with numerous accolades, recognized for his contributions to the literary and publishing landscape.

The prize, which carries a cash award of ₦300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only), is aimed at rewarding excellence in young adult literature, encouraging quality storytelling, and inspiring a new generation of Nigerian writers.

ANA outlined clear guidelines for submission, stating that only physically published books released not later than 2024 are eligible. Entries may be submitted by either authors or publishers, with each author restricted to one entry. Submissions must include six copies of the book alongside a signed entry letter, and electronically published works are not eligible. Additionally, an entry fee of ₦10,000.00, payable to the Association of Nigerian Authors via First Bank of Nigeria Plc, is required.

The association emphasized that all entries must be original works and must not have previously won similar awards. It also noted that members of ANA’s National Executive Council, members of the HRM Eze M. O. Kanu family, as well as relatives of the judges, are not eligible to participate. The judges’ decision, it added, will be final.

The deadline for submission of entries is June 30, 2026, while the shortlist will be announced in August 2026. The winner of the maiden edition will be unveiled at the Award Dinner Night during ANA’s International Annual Convention scheduled for November 2026. All submissions are to be sent to the Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, KM 2, Mpape, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.