The Awele Creative Trust has announced Ridwan Badmasi as the winner of the 2025 Awele Creative Trust Award for his entry ‘In the Shape of the Branch.’
The award, dedicated to providing a platform and enabling environment for creative young persons in Nigeria through literature and arts, awards N100,000 to the winner.
‘In the Shape of the Branch’ was praised by the judges as:
“a haunting, masterfully paced narrative, transitioning from the sluggish, oppressive heat of the city to the frantic, time-bound search during a curfew. The writer excels at building a palpable sense of tension and dread.”
Ridwan Badamasi writes from the ancient city of Kano in northern Nigeria. His works have appeared in Efiko, Praxis Magazine, Kalahari Review, Salamander Ink Magazine, 20.35 Africa, and elsewhere.
Founded by Chika Unigwe in 2013, the ACT Short Story Prize is awarded annually to a writer between the ages of 16 and 26 who resides in Nigeria. Established to nurture young literary talent, the prize is known for highlighting stories that explore deep societal, cultural, and personal themes.
Congratulations, Ridwan!
Sarah Adeyemo
Sarah Adeyemo, Swan IX, is a Nigerian poet, writer, editor, spoken word artiste and communication expert. The debut author of “The Shape of Silence”. She draws inspiration from solitude and experiences. She is a fellow of the SprinNG Writing Fellowship. Her works appeared or are forthcoming in Akpata Magazine, The Shallow Tales Review, The Muse Journal, The Weganda Review, Everscribe Magazine, Afrillhill Press, Poems For Persons Interest, TV-63 Magazine, Northern Writers Forum Journal, Eboquills, Rinna Lit. Anthologies, and elsewhere. She tweets @SarahInkspires.
