Regional winners emerge for Young Adult Literature Prize 2026
By Editor
THE TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has announced the zonal winners of the 3rd edition of the Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP), a literary initiative committed to celebrating emerging voices and promoting excellence in young adult literature. As the competition reaches this exciting stage, regional winners will each receive a ₦500,000 cash prize in recognition of their literary achievement and contribution to the growing body of contemporary young adult literature.
A shortlist of three writers will be announced on October 31, 2026 to set the stage for the final celebration of this year’s outstanding entries.
The competition will culminate in the YALP award ceremony to be held on November 18, 2026, where the grand prize winner will be announced. Selected from among the zonal winners, the overall winner will receive an additional ₦1,500,000 to bring the total prize money for the grand prize winner to ₦2,000,000. But beyond the monetary rewards, YALP continues to provide a platform for discovering, encouraging, and amplifying literary voices capable of engaging young readers, stimulating critical thought, and enriching Nigeria’s literary landscape.
The TY Buratai Literary Initiative has extended congratulations to all participating writers and looks forward to celebrating the regional winners and announcing the ultimate winner of the 2026 edition. As the journey to the grand prize is reaching its climax, who will emerge YALP 2026 grand prize winner?
Yemi Hanson is a UK-based Nigerian writer and author of three published books emerged South West Zonal winner. His works include 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.
From the South South Zone emerged Akpoturu Ogheneruonano is a Nigerian writer, youth advocate and emerging communications strategist from Delta State. He is the author of The Crown Within: A Young Dreamer’s Triumph and is passionate about education, leadership, youth empowerment and social transformation.
Umar Ibrahim, who writes fantastical tales shaped by curiosity, imagination and a spirit of exploration, emerged from North Central Zone. Having spent years editing and championing the work of other writers, Ibrahim is now stepping into the spotlight with his own storytelling.
From North East Zone emerged Sa’adatu Njidda, a writer from Borno State, and founder of Intalks with Sir’ah, a literary platform dedicated to discovering, reviewing, and promoting books by Northern Nigerian authors. Her work explores everyday lives and perspectives often overlooked in contemporary Nigerian fiction.
Aisha Al-amin Adam is a Nigerian writer, trained librarian and English teacher whose interests include young adult literature, Hausa folklore and children’s religious storybooks. Her writing explores identity, courage, family and hope while celebrating cultural heritage. Adam emerged from North West Zone.
Chinenye Chizitere Opara, a Zoology graduate, teacher, virtual assistant and writer from Imo State, won from South East Zone. She draws inspiration from personal experiences, everyday observations and the desire to connect with readers through storytelling.
The Young Adult Literature Prize is an initiative of TY Buratai Literary Initiative established to recognise and encourage literary excellence, nurture emerging writers and promote reading and writing among young people.
Daughters of Ashes by Adoo Guyuu from Benue State, North Central, won the 2025 edition, just as Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun won the inaugural edition in 2024 with Truth and Dare.
