Chude Jideonwo wins ANA prize for book on depression

Media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo has won the 2026 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Best Non-Fiction for his book, How Depression Saved My Life, describing the recognition as one of his most cherished professional honours.

Jideonwo announced the award in a post on X on Thursday, November 12, expressing surprise and gratitude over the recognition.

“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.

The award has a personal significance for the media entrepreneur, who recalled that his mother took him to the ANA office in Surulere, Lagos, in 2000 after he published his first book at the age of 15.

He said he was amazed by the authors he encountered during the visit, describing the experience as “wondrous. Truly wondrous.”

Jideonwo also reflected on his career across public relations, broadcasting, journalism and film, noting that he had received major awards in the different fields.

However, he said the ANA recognition stood out because of his long-standing 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.

Jideonwo, born on March 16, 1985, is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, journalist, filmmaker and television host. He co-founded Red Africa with Adebola Williams and is also associated with the #WithChude media platform.

He has written books on media and politics, including How To Win Elections in Africa, while How Depression Saved My Life explores his personal experience with depression.

His latest recognition comes more than two decades after his first book and his childhood visit to the ANA office, marking a return to the literary institution that shaped his early aspirations as a writer.