Nightengale Literary Awards Hosts 2026 Ceremony, Rewards Young Writers

Nightengale Literary Awards Hosts 2026 Ceremony, Rewards Young Writers 

Mbaitoli, Imo State – February 28, 2026

The Nightengale Literary Awards Ceremony 2026 was held on February 28 at Chapel of Peace Hall, Mbaitoli Council, Imo State, bringing together young writers, educators and supporters of literature to celebrate outstanding talents from the Season One competition conducted on November 22, 2025.

At the ceremony, Confidence Okonkwo emerged as the overall winner of the competition for her poem titled Echoes of Longevity. She received a cash prize of ₦30,000, an award plaque, and a copy of the book she used for the competition. Her work was commended for its depth, creativity and strong literary expression.

The second position was awarded to Precious-Gold Orieukwu for her prose piece Dark Wakefulness. She received ₦20,000 in recognition of her originality and compelling narrative voice.

Chizaram DivineFavour Tobechi secured the third position for her prose titled Love in the Time of Chaos. She was presented with ₦10,000 and an award plaque in recognition of her emerging excellence in creative writing.

In addition to the top three winners, three participants were honoured with the Emerging Voice in Literature Award for their creativity, passion and consistent commitment to writing during the competition. The recipients were Ahunwa Maryfavour, Ezuruike Precious Chimemezuwo, and Francis Chimamkpam Okenwa. The award recognised their dedication and growing literary journeys.

Two distinguished individuals who were not participants in the competition were also recognised during the event. Dogged Comrade Nwadike A.W. Orient received the Good Ambassador for Education and Youth Award for his support of education and youth development initiatives. Rev. Sr. Alice Nwadugwu Orji (DHS) was presented with the Excellence in Literature Education Award in recognition of her contributions to teaching literature and nurturing young minds.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Founder of the Nightengale Literary Awards, Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, encouraged young writers to remain persistent in pursuing their dreams. She noted that every big dream starts small but grows with courage and persistence, urging participants to keep building and pushing forward.

The ceremony concluded on a hopeful note, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to promoting literary excellence and empowering emerging voices in Nigeria’s literary community.