Buratai Harps on Youth Leadership and Critical Thinking as TYBLI Awards Young Writers
Buratai Harps on Youth Leadership and Critical Thinking as TYBLI Awards Young Writers
By Matthew Eloyi
The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) celebrated young literary talents at its 2024 Young Adult Literature Prize Award Ceremony held on Friday at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) in Gora, Nasarawa State.
At the event, zonal winners from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria each received a cash prize of N250,000, while the overall winner, Taofeek Olatunbosun, was awarded N1 million.
In his address, the Chief Host and TYBLI Chairman, Ambassador Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, shared the inspiration behind the initiative, which he described as rooted in his long-standing passion for literature and writing.
Reflecting on his own experience as a member of literary and drama clubs during his school years, Buratai emphasised the importance of writing for personal development, communication, and leadership.
“Writing is very important in developing one’s knowledge, vision, and ability to communicate,” Buratai stated.
“Leaders must express themselves, and for you to express yourself very well, you must write. If you don’t document what you have in mind, you may tend to forget it. But once you document it, it opens opportunities to benefit society,” he added.
Buratai expressed his gratitude to the participants and those who supported the initiative, including the CEO of Adams Page Bookstore, Hajiya Hauwa Aliyu, and the British Council.
He called on more well-wishers to support TYBLI’s mission to promote intellectual growth and leadership through critical thinking among Nigeria’s youth.
Ambassador Buratai also hinted at plans to increase the prize money in future editions, noting that TYBLI is committed to further inspiring young writers by potentially offering scholarships to winners pursuing secondary or higher education.
Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the Occasion, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, underscored the enduring power of literature as the foundation for effective communication, despite advancements in technology.
“Technology cannot erode the power of the written word,” Kingibe said, pledging his partnership in TYBLI’s next edition to continue nurturing young talent in Nigeria.
The event’s star, Taofeek Olatunbosun, expressed heartfelt gratitude to TYBLI and Ambassador Buratai for the honor.
He promised to serve as a worthy ambassador for the initiative, committed to honing his writing skills and inspiring others in the literary community.
The TY Buratai Literary Initiative, founded by Buratai, seeks to develop Nigeria’s youth into leaders by encouraging them to engage in writing, critical thinking, and self-expression, laying the groundwork for a generation of responsible, communicative, and visionary leaders.
