On Saturday 29 October 2022, the grand award dinner of the 41st Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), I was named winner of the 2022 Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature for my book, Believers And Hustlers.
This prize administered by ANA and endowed by the Anambra State Government is awarded to the best work of fiction by a Nigerian in a calendar year.
I am honoured to receive an award named after the great Achebe, the father of African literature. I am humbled by the validation of the judges of the prize and very delighted to have my work so celebrated. Your calls, messages and social media mentions since the announcement have been so heartwarming and truly cherished.
A big shoutout to the other respected writers on the shortlist – Uwem Akpan and Michael Afenfia, whose works I have engaged and admire greatly.
I wish to thank Azafi of Parresia Publishers, my Nigerian publisher for giving this story life and the amazing Amara, my first editor, for her genius. My family has been a strong pillar and support system. Thank you Chioma and crew for blowing my trumpet the loudest.
You all have a share in this. Many thanks to Onyeka Nwelue of Abibiman Publishing UK, Bibi Ukonu of Griots lounge CA and Kene Uzor of Iskanchi Press who have taken the story to the world by publishing the UK, Canada and US editions respectively.
Thanks also to all who have bought, read, reviewed, discussed, and critiqued the book. And all those who will still do so. You are the real MVPs.
Finally, I dedicate this to the memory of my dearly departed who I hope I have continued to make proud.
Do well to buy the book. It is available in major bookstores in Nigeria, Ghana, UK, US and Canada as well as on Amazon. Gift someone a copy this Thanksgiving and yuletide season and keep supporting African writing.
Ka udo di. Ka ndu di.
Nzesylva's Corner 