Ankara Press, the commercial imprint of Cassava Republic Press, has announced the upcoming publication of a new fiction anthology titled “The Lovers’ Guide to Nigeria”.
Produced in collaboration with digital media platforms Zikoko and Big Cabal Media, the book is scheduled for release in January 2027.
The anthology is inspired by Zikoko’s Love Life series, which documents real-life romantic experiences.
Curated and edited by Ope Adedeji and Daniel Orubo, the collection transforms interview material into short stories that examine a wide range of interpersonal dynamics, including long-distance relationships, situationships and asexual intimacy. The narratives are set against the social and economic realities of modern Nigeria, exploring how factors such as faith, migration and financial precarity influence personal connections.
Assistant Editor, Ankara Press, Boluwatito “Tito” Sanusi, acquired the world rights for the collection, which features contributions from several writers, including Ani Kayode Somtochukwu, Nicole Asinugo and Edwin Okolo.
“This anthology is a celebration of our capacity to love – even when it’s messy. I cannot wait for readers to see themselves in these stories,”Sanusi said.
Daniel Orubo, who also serves as Head of Content at Zikoko, noted that the book aims to expand on the digital series by introducing new voices and reimagining existing themes through fiction.
“The original Love Life series began as a way to explore the layered shades of love. This book takes that further, reimagining beloved episodes and introducing new stories through some of Nigeria’s most exciting storytellers. I’m excited for readers to discover new voices,” Orubo said.
“Storytelling changes us. These stories gather the beauty and contradictions of loving, living and leaving into one place. They remind us that our love stories – in all their complexity – deserve to be told,”Ope Adedeji, co-editor, said.
Big Cabal Media CEO Tomiwa Aladekomo stated that the transition from digital content to a physical anthology represents an effort to bring Nigerian stories to a broader global audience.
“Zikoko has always told stories that matter to Nigerians, young and old. Seeing them take form in a book and travel beyond our digital space is deeply exciting. We’re proud to share our world with a global audience,” Aladekomo said.
At once funny, intimate and unsparing, the anthology captures a spectrum of Nigerian intimacies – shaped by dating apps, economic precarity, migration, faith and the pressure of loving in a place that has opinions about how you should.
The project marks a significant release for Ankara Press, which is set to officially launch in the summer of 2026. The imprint was established to publish commercial fiction and non-fiction across various genres, including romance, thrillers and fantasy.
