Purple Shelves Takes Center Stage: Dominating the 2025 Chinua Achebe Literary Prize for Fiction!

What an electrifying night it was!

On November 1st, 2025, at the grand dinner and awards night capping off the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Convention 2025, the literary world held its breath as the winners of the prestigious Chinua Achebe Literary Prize for Fiction were unveiled.

And guess what?

The spotlight shone brightest on us—Purple Shelves Literary Services.

We are over the moon to announce that two of our stellar titles claimed the top honours, proving once again that our commitment to unearthing and amplifying bold Nigerian voices is paying off in the most spectacular way.

The Moment of Triumph: See Morocco See Spain Crowned Champion

While the room buzzed with anticipation, Professor Razinat Mohammed, the administrator of the Chinua Achebe Literary Prizes announced See Morocco See Spain by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor as winner of the 2025 Chinua Achebe Literary Prize for Fiction! This gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the relentless chase for dreams follows Nosakhare, a young Nigerian man whose perilous journey across borders captures the raw essence of the migrant experience. Enenmor’s masterful storytelling, rich with emotional depth and unflinching honesty, has not only captivated readers but also earned the nod from a panel of esteemed judges who shortlisted just three works for the prize.

Published by Purple Shelves earlier this year, See Morocco See Spain has been hailed as a “literary masterpiece” that resonates far beyond its pages. With this win, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor (@ndydorothy on Instagram), whose previous works have already marked her as a force in Nigerian literature, joins an illustrious lineage of Achebe Prize winners. So, we are bursting with pride, not just for Enenmor, but for the entire Purple Shelves family who believed in this story from day one.

Silver Lining in Gold: Years of Shame as First Runner-Up

But wait, there is more! Hot on the heels of our winner came another Purple Shelves powerhouse: Years of Shame by Obinna Udenwe, securing first runner-up. Udenwe’s unflinching exploration of the Aro Hegemony set against the backdrop of post-civil-war Nigeria delivers a narrative punch that lingers long after the final page. With its sharp prose and profound insights into the scars of history, this novel rounded out a shortlist that included just one other contender, Insignia of the …—but let’s be real, our duo owned the night.

That both the winner and the first runner-up hail from Purple Shelves is a testament to our publishing prowess. From scouting raw talent to nurturing manuscripts into polished gems, we’ve built a roaster that doesn’t just compete but leads. As one reviewer put it during the buzz around the shortlist, our novels are “outstanding”.

A Time Was Had at ANA 2025

The ANA Convention 2025 was not just about prizes; it was a vibrant celebration of the Nigerian writer and Nigerian storytelling, with workshops, and conversations that reignited our passion for the written word and our hope in writing as a craft. Held at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, the convention underscored why prizes like the CALP, named after the father of modern African literature, matter so much. And we’re honoured that Purple Shelves titles were at the forefront.

A huge shoutout to the ANA Convention 2025 planning committee for putting together such a memorable retreat and closing event, and to the judges of the CALP 2025. And of course, to our authors, Enenmor and Udenwe; your words are changing the game, one reader at a time.

What’s Next for Purple Shelves?

This double triumph is certainly not the end; it is fuel for more. We are already knee-deep in our next slate of releases, scouting more voices that are ready to shake up the shelves (pun intended). So, if you have written a story that demands to be told, then drop us a line. We are always on the lookout for that next big win.

In the meantime, grab your copies of See Morocco See Spain and Years of Shame, following the links or from your favorite bookseller. These titles are not just prize-winners; they are must-reads that will transport you to various lands, provoke thought, and stay with you, long after the last page.

Also, remember to follow us on social media. Our next book tour might just be in your city.

Here’s to Nigerian literature, soaring higher, and to Purple Shelves lighting the way.

Cheers to more victories, more intense and powerful stories, and the endless possibilities ahead!

Follow us on Instagram (@purpleshelves) for behind-the-pages peeks, author spotlights, and more literary magic.