Cyril Ogar
Award-winning author, Dr Dave Okorafor, has said his debut novel, The Boy Who Built a Titanic Raft, winning the 2025 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize was quite unexpected, but would inspire him to write more.

Recall that the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), on November 1, officially announced the winners of its 2025 Literary Prizes at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Center, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Abuja, during the grand dinner and award-giving ceremony marking the conclusion of the 44th ANA International Convention. 

In an exclusive Interview with our reporter, Dr Okorafor said he wrote the novel within four months (between February and June, 2025), but without the intention of chasing awards. 

He said that, though dwindling reading culture is challenging for writers in Nigeria, The Boy Who Built a Titanic Raft explores courage, innovation and resilience as it is written as a crossover novel for children and adults to enjoy, “especially as it tells the story of a remarkably inventive young boy who builds a raft to cross a mystical stream during an errand, only to be swept away and separated from his community.”

He said: “I am deeply delighted. Winning this award feels like a warm affirmation of the work I have put into my writing. It is both humbling and encouraging. It assures me that the stories I carry within me can find a home in the hearts of readers. It inspires me to write even more.

“I hoped that if I wrote the book well enough, it might stand out someday. But I did not write it with the intention of chasing awards. Writing, for me, is an invitation, a journey I share with my reader as we explore a world I am shaping word by word. A story may transform society, enlighten or heal, but it must also entertain. Awards are beautiful, but they are a byproduct, not the motive.

“The question of what sets The Boy Who Built a Titanic Raft apart from the novels in the same category is a question best answered by the judges, as they are the ones who considered all the works side-by-side. I haven’t yet had the chance to read the other shortlisted books, but I am certain they are of high literary merit, hence their nomination. Who knows, maybe the judges simply liked my book’s cover design. (Just kidding!)

“This is the first full-fledged creative work I’m writing; call it my debut novel. I’ve written other books, however. But they’re educational books – six volumes of Spoken English textbooks being read in secondary schools across Nigeria, and two other books on human-computer voice interaction.

“For years, many friends who believed I had a certain flair for storytelling encouraged me to write a novel. Yet, I never quite pushed myself into it until Facebook abruptly disabled my account in February 2025, just two weeks before my birthday. I had spent years building communities there, so I felt unexpectedly displaced. Out of that emotional disruption, I turned inward and the story that had been simmering in my mind finally poured out.

“The ideas came generously, almost as though the muse had been waiting. I finished the manuscript between February and June. When I shared it with my former supervisor and literary critic, Dr. Onyebuchi Nwosu, his enthusiastic reaction gave me the final confirmation that I had created something really good.

“For those yet to read the book, The Boy Who Built a Titanic Raft explores courage, innovation and resilience. It is written as a crossover novel,

meaning children and adults can enjoy it. It tells the story of a remarkably inventive young boy who builds a raft to cross a mystical stream during an errand, only to be swept away and separated from his community. His eventual rescue, aided by the power of social media, highlights themes of hope, communal love, and the strength of human networks in times of crisis.”

He added: “Being from a medical background, storytelling comes naturally to me. I have always possessed a vivid imaginative range and a deep appreciation for literature. While many know me as a doctor/consultant radiologist, fewer know that I also hold a first-class degree in English. So, medicine and languages are simply two dimensions of who I am – one engages the logical and diagnostic mind, the other allows the imagination to breathe.

“Dwindling reading culture is indeed challenging for writers in Nigeria. The issue is not a lack of good books – it is that many people are burdened by economic pressures that push reading down their priority list. As we work collectively to improve our financial conditions, we must also reawaken a cultural value for knowledge.

“To writers, I say: write because you must. Write because the story is knocking on your soul. Give the world your unique lens. And use digital platforms; your readers are global, not just local.
“The government generally pays little attention to literary development unless it serves political or ideological interests. While some officials occasionally attend book events, systemic support is minimal. If we truly want to nurture a vibrant literary culture, we need structured policies: grants, library revitalisation, school reading programmes, national book funds – not mere ceremonial appearances.

“Reading is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. Through books, we travel beyond our physical environment and encounter new worlds, new ideas, new versions of ourselves. I encourage Nigerians to approach reading not as a chore, but as a gift. 

“Start with subjects and stories that genuinely interest you. Read to discover, to imagine, to understand. Reading sharpens the mind, broadens empathy, and expands one’s sense of possibility. When we read, we do not just inform ourselves, we transform ourselves.”

Award categories Meanwhile, for the ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize, the shortlisted works were Stoning the Wind by Gbemisola Adeoti, Girls and The Silhouette of Form by Star Zahra, and JAPA: Elegy for Nigerians by Toyin Shittu. The judges found Adeoti’s work profoundly rooted in tradition and patriotism, while Zahra’s linguistic innovation and emotional resonance impressed the panel. Shittu’s exploration of migration and national disillusionment added to the richness of the selection. The judges declared Gbemisola Adeoti and Star Zahra joint winners.

The ANA/King Dakolo Fiction Prize went to Olumide Olutola for his novel Habitat of Ordinary People, which was praised for its authentic characterization and social realism. Other shortlisted works were Riddles in the Shadows by Ebi Robert and Shackles of Freedom by Onyeka Ike.

In the ANA Drama Prize category, the shortlisted plays were Colours of Madness by Ikechukwu Asika, Ogiehgieh the Musical by Davidfyncountry Austine Ogbadu, and The Great Delusion by Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon. The judges described Ebhohon’s winning play, The Great Delusion, as a powerful exploration of Black identity and Western erasure of African contributions, executed with experimental flair.

The ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Non-Fiction Prize was awarded to David Hundeyin for Breaking Point, recognised for its investigative depth and engagement with contemporary social issues. Other finalists were Grips of Grief by Ayo Deforge and The Jungle by David Hundeyin.

In the ANA/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize for Children’s Fiction, David Okorafor emerged winner with The Boy Who Built a Titanic Raft, atale of courage and innovation that captured the imagination of readers and judges alike. Other shortlisted books were The Children at the IDP Camp by Olatunbosun Taofeek and The Saint Sisters Mystery Club by Stephanie Chizoba-Odili.

No entries were received this year for the ANA/Amina Talaku Zakama Prize for Literary Criticism. However, the Prize Administrator has exercised the right to select a deserving book to receive the award in due course.

The 2025 ANA Literary Prizes reaffirm the Association’s enduring mission to promote Nigerian literature and celebrate its creators. Under Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi’s leadership, ANA continues to stand as a beacon of creative integrity, national pride, and intellectual excellence—ensuring that the voices of Nigerian writers remain loud, relevant, and transformative.
In his opening address at the event, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), congratulated all the writers who competed for the ANA Prizes in 2025, describing them as “torchbearers of creativity and conscience.” 

He remarked that the sheer quality of entries received across genres demonstrates that Nigerian literature continues to flourish in diversity, depth, and innovation. “There are strong indicators that creativity is thriving in Nigeria,” he stated.
The President also used the opportunity to extend profound appreciation to the benefactors and sponsors whose generous endowments have sustained ANA’s prize culture. 

“Words are not enough to express our gratitude to King Bubraye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Col. K. K. Shaw (Rtd.) of KMVL, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Dr. Kabura Zakama, and Mr. Onyeka Nwelue. They have given new stimuli to the creativity of our country. We pray that other individuals and organisations will learn from their noble examples,” he said.

ANA further expressed gratitude to the distinguished panel of judges—Prof. Musa Idris Okpanachi, Prof. Oyeh Otu, Mr. Aj. Dagga Tolar, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, and Mr. Nzube Nlebedim—for their selfless service in evaluating the submissions and ensuring fairness, transparency, and intellectual rigor throughout the process.

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