By Our Reporter
Nigerian media entrepreneur and author, Chude Jideonwo, has won the 2026 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Best Non-Fiction for his book, *How Depression Saved My Life*.
Jideonwo announced the achievement in a post on his X account on Thursday, November 12, expressing gratitude for the recognition and describing the award as particularly meaningful to him.
He said he was not expecting to receive an award for the book but felt deeply honoured to be recognised by the Association of Nigerian Authors.
“I certainly did not expect to be celebrating awards for ‘How Depression Saved My Life’. But I am deeply honoured to receive the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Best Non-Fiction 2026,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his literary journey, the media entrepreneur recalled that his mother took him to the ANA office in Surulere, Lagos, in 2000, shortly after he published his first book at the age of 15.
He described the visit as a memorable experience, recalling how he admired the established writers he encountered at the time.
According to him, meeting the authors left him in awe, an experience he described as “wondrous. Truly wondrous.”
Jideonwo also reflected on his professional career, which has spanned public relations, broadcasting, journalism and filmmaking.
He noted that he had been fortunate to receive major industry recognitions across the different sectors in which he had worked.
However, he said the ANA recognition holds a special place in his heart because of his longstanding connection with the literary community.
“This one is dear to me. I am truly, deeply blessed to live this year and to receive these endless gifts,” he added.
The award marks another significant milestone in Jideonwo’s career, particularly his journey from publishing his first book as a teenager to receiving one of Nigeria’s notable literary honours.