On Thursday, December 11, 2025, a ceremony was held in Abuja to honour the women who emerged winners in this year’s Hikayata women’s short story writing competition, an annual contest organised by BBC Hausa. This year marked the 10th edition of the competition. Fadila Lamiɗo emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 contest. She was followed in second and third places by Jamila Lawal Zango and Hafsat Sani Tanko respectively.
Fadila Lamiɗo, who hails from Kaduna State, received a prize of one million naira and a certificate of achievement from BBC Hausa.
Our sister publication, Fim Magazine, spoke with Malama Fadila Lamiɗo to learn about her background, how she began writing, and how she felt when she emerged as the first-place winner of this year’s Hikayata competition. Here is the English translation:
QUESTION: First of all, we would like you to introduce yourself to our readers.
FADILA LAMIƊO: My name is Fadila Lamiɗo, and I am a native of Kaduna State. I studied up to the diploma level.
QUESTION: How did you get into writing?
FADILA LAMIƊO: I used to read a lot of Hausa books, so when online writing became popular, I decided to try it. There had long been a story in my head, which I often attempted to write with pen and paper, but I never went beyond two pages before setting it aside.
In 2016, I posted one page online, and by God’s grace, I noticed people eagerly waiting for the continuation. That encouraged me to write the next page, and from there the writing just flowed naturally.
QUESTION: When you started writing, did you face any challenges?
FADILA LAMIƊO: Honestly, I didn’t face any real challenges. I didn’t begin writing with the intention of becoming a writer. I simply saw people writing online and decided to try sharing the story that had been in my head for a long time to see people’s reactions.
If I had anticipated difficulties, I might not have continued, because at the time I didn’t even know I had a talent for writing. I thought I was just experimenting, but I later saw teachers and established writers discussing my story.
QUESTION: Have you published any book that is in circulation?
FADILA LAMIƊO: Yes, I have published one book titled Muguwar Miya.
QUESTION: Are you a member of any writers’ association?
FADILA LAMIƊO: Yes. I am a member of the Adabi Writers Association.
QUESTION: Is this your first time participating in the Hikayata competition, or have you tried before?
FADILA LAMIƊO: I participated in 2022, but my story did not make it past the first stage. I didn’t try again until 2024, and even then it didn’t qualify for the initial stage. This year was my third attempt, and by God’s grace, I succeeded.
QUESTION: Did you expect to win the competition?
FADILA LAMIƊO: Not at all. Six days before the deadline, another writer urged me to submit an entry. I told her the time was almost up. She said, “If you set your intention, it’s not too late.”
By God’s will, I agreed. After submitting, I completely forgot about the story and continued with my daily activities. It was only when I was informed that the story had won that I went back to look for it and reread it.
QUESTION: How did you feel when you learned your story had reached the final stage?
FADILA LAMIƊO: The joy I felt is indescribable. I was informed late at night, and I couldn’t sleep at all. That night felt like day to me. It was then I truly realised that happiness can prevent sleep. I spent the night thanking God, because the Hikayata competition is a major one with thousands of participants. For your story to reach the final stage alone is a huge achievement.
QUESTION: How did you feel when it was announced that you came first?
FADILA LAMIƊO: I was completely overwhelmed—I felt as though my legs could barely carry me. I never imagined I would come first. Even though some writers had predicted it, I didn’t believe it myself.
For me, even coming third would have been a great success. People celebrate winning small competitions, so coming third in Hikayata is already huge—let alone first place. All thanks belong to God, who does whatever He wills, whenever He wills.
QUESTION: Now that you’ve won this competition, have you achieved your ultimate goal in writing?
FADILA LAMIƊO: In all circumstances, I say Alhamdu lillah. However, I aspire to become highly skilled in screenplay writing. That is my current goal.
QUESTION: What steps should writers take to succeed?
FADILA LAMIƊO: Female writers should be persistent, work hard, and conduct research regularly. That helps immensely.
QUESTION: Female writers now outnumber male writers. How do you see this in terms of progress?
FADILA LAMIƊO: That’s perfectly natural. Isn’t it said that even someone with one eye can see into a pot? Women are more numerous than men in the world, so it’s fitting to see them everywhere. That is progress.
QUESTION: Thank you very much.
FADILA LAMIƊO: Thank you as well.
