YALP 2026: Six Zonal Winners Emerge, Grand Prize Winner to Get ₦2m
The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has announced six zonal winners of the 2026 Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP), with the overall winner set to receive a total cash prize of ₦2 million at the award ceremony scheduled for November 18.
The initiative, which promotes literary excellence and encourages emerging writers, said each of the six regional winners would receive ₦500,000 in recognition of their contributions to contemporary young adult literature.
The three-person shortlist for the grand prize is expected to be announced on October 31, ahead of the final award ceremony.
According to the initiative, the grand prize winner, to be selected from among the zonal winners, will receive an additional ₦1.5 million, bringing the total prize money to ₦2 million.
The zonal winners represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and include Yemi Hanson for the South-West, Akpoturu Ogheneruonano for the South-South, Umar Ibrahim for the North-Central, Sa’adatu Njidda for the North-East, Aisha Al-amin Adam for the North-West and Chinenye Chizitere Opara for the South-East.
Hanson, a UK-based Nigerian writer, is the author of three published books: The Triumph of Childhood Trials, The King’s Little Finger and Other Stories and Morounmubo: Beauty from Ashes. Her work has received literary recognition, including a shortlist placement for the 2021 Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Best Children’s Literature.
Ogheneruonano, a writer, youth advocate and emerging communications strategist from Delta State, is the author of The Crown Within: A Young Dreamer’s Triumph. His interests include education, leadership, youth empowerment and social transformation.
Ibrahim, the North-Central zonal winner, writes imaginative and fantastical stories shaped by curiosity and exploration. Having spent years editing and promoting other writers’ works, he is now gaining recognition for his own storytelling.
Njidda, from Borno State, is the founder of Intalks with Sir’ah, a literary platform focused on discovering, reviewing and promoting books by Northern Nigerian authors. Her writing explores everyday experiences and perspectives often overlooked in contemporary Nigerian fiction.
Adam, the North-West winner, is a trained librarian, English teacher and writer whose interests include young adult literature, Hausa folklore and children’s religious storybooks. Her work explores identity, courage, family and hope while celebrating cultural heritage.
Opara, the South-East winner, is a Zoology graduate, teacher, virtual assistant and writer from Imo State. She draws inspiration from personal experiences and everyday observations to connect with readers through storytelling.
The initiative said YALP was established to recognise literary talent, nurture emerging writers and promote reading and writing among young people.
Beyond the cash prizes, it noted that the competition provides a platform for discovering and amplifying literary voices capable of engaging young readers, stimulating critical thinking and enriching Nigeria’s literary landscape.
The initiative congratulated all participating writers and expressed optimism about celebrating the zonal winners and unveiling the overall winner at the November ceremony.
The 2026 edition is the third iteration of the Young Adult Literature Prize, which continues to support emerging Nigerian writers and strengthen the country’s literary community.
