Media entrepreneur and journalist Chude Jideonwo has won the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Best Non-Fiction 2026 for his memoir, How Depression Saved My Life.
Jideonwo announced the recognition in a post on his Instagram page on Thursday, describing the award as a special honour in his writing career.
He said he had not expected the memoir to receive an award, adding that the recognition was among the good developments he had experienced this year.
“Man. What a year I’ve had.
“The good news just keeps pouring in – from planned and then unexpected quarters. 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.”
The journalist also recalled his first encounter with the literary association in 2000, when his mother took him to its office in Surulere, Lagos, after he published his first book at the age of 15.
He said the experience left a lasting impression on him because of the authors he met during the visit and subsequent encounters.
“I remember my mother taking me to the ANA office in Surulere in 2000 after I had published my first book at the age of 15, and how in awe I was of all the authors that I encountered on that day and with every meeting.
“It was wondrous. Truly wondrous. To be a writer is a wonderful thing.
“I have been blessed to win the top prizes in every sector that I have worked in – public relations, broadcasting, journalism, film, etc and now writing.
“This one is dear to me. I am truly, deeply blessed to live this year and to receive these endless gifts.”
The award, formally known as the ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Prize for Non-Fiction, was presented as part of the Association of Nigerian Authors’ 2026 literary awards.
Published by Narrative Landscape Press in 2025, How Depression Saved My Life explores Jideonwo’s personal experience with depression, vulnerability, faith and healing. The memoir also examines how he sought meaning through difficult periods in his life.
Jideonwo is the co-founder of RED, a media and public relations company, and the host of the interview programme #WithChude. The programme features conversations with personalities from entertainment, business and public life.
