TY BURATAI LITERARY INITIATIVE: Unveiling the Young Literary Giants
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
√ Event Highlights:
It’s a colourful Friday, precisely it’s November 1, 2024, when the TY Buratai Literary Initiative sponsored by Lieutenant General (rtd), Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai, CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, hosted an award ceremony for young adult literature at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre in Nasarawa State.
The event, which took place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, featured a welcome address by Dr. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho, Chairperson of TY Buratai Literary Initiative. Dr. Ben-Iheanacho praised and thanked Gen. Buratai for sponsoring the literary project, as well as the participants and the general public who attended the event. She highlighted that TY Buratai Literary Initiative aims to promote literary excellence among young adults in Nigeria.
By recognizing and rewarding talented young writers, the initiative seeks to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
√ Poetry Rendition and Support:
A highlight of the event was a poetry rendition by writer and poet Mrs. Salamatu Sule. Additionally, Hajia Hauwa S. Aliyu, CEO of Adams Page Bookstore in Abuja, demonstrated her commitment to supporting literature and education by attending the event and expressing her readiness to render service.
√ Unveiling Young Literary Giants:
Six top finalists, special forerunners and illustrators were awarded with the sum of ₦250,000 each and a certificate. They are Hajara Mohammed Bashir (North-East), Taofik Olatunbosun (South-West), Sima Essien (South-South), Daniel Yohanna (North-East), Bilkisu Abubakar (North-West) and others.
The overall winner is Mr. Taofik Olatunbosun. He is awarded the sum of ₦1 million and a certificate. He narrated his experience about writing and how he succeeded in the contest.
√ Promoting Literary Excellence:
The secretary, TY Butatai Literary initiative, Mr. Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo has called the literary minded, enthusiasts for partnership in order to uplift the cause of literature in the country.
The Chairman of TY Butatai Literary initiative, His Excellency Ambassador Lt. Gen (rtd) TY Butatai, CFR, former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to Benin Republic is the convener and Chief Host of the event. In his remarks during the occasion, he goes back to memory lane as a student at Government Teachers’ College Maiduguri.
“It’s indeed my honor and privilege to witness the first award ceremony of TY Buratai Literary Prize.
“It’s initiative that was born out of one’s passion. I remember in school, specifically at Borno Teachers’ College, I was a member of Drama and Literary Club. From there, when I went to Potiskum Teachers’ College and later University of Maiduguri, I continued there.” Says Buratai.
While assuring his further commitment to the literary project, Buratai, who’s also the Betara of Biu says “This is a stepping stone. We have a lot to do. We appreciate all that contribute one article or the other and the number of participants for this competition.”
He further enumerated the importance and power of the written word. According to him, “I believe that leaders must express themselves and for you to express yourself very well you must write. If you don’t write, whatever you store in your mind, you tend to forget. If you write, it’ll become beneficial to the society.”
√ Dr. Bukar Usman Applauded:
General Buratai has acknowledged and applauded a prominent figure, Dr. Bukar Usman, OON who graced the occasion and for his general commitment, resilience to writing and other literary endeavors. “I must acknowledge our elder brother, elder statesman, Dr. Bukar Usman, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Republic of Nigeria, a great writer, a poet and a literary icon.”
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Occasion, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe extolled the virtues and literary efforts of Dr Usman, who happened to be his classmate and former colleague, “for his zeal, passion and commitment to the arts/literature.” He commended him for his relentless effort in writing and publishing educational books for humanity.
Dr. Usman, who donated his priceless books during the event, equally received encomiums from the Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), Professor Kyari Mohamed. He commended the octogenarian for his commitment to writing and donating books worth millions of Naira to the university. He encouraged the younger generation to keep the spirit of reading and writing for their personal and general societal development.
√ Knowledge is power:
In his speech as the Chairman of the Occasion, His Excellency, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, GCON, emphasised on the importance of knowledge over and above everything in life. He commended the effort of both the Chairman and convener of the TYBLI, Gen. Butatai and all the stakeholders for making the literary initiative a success.
Elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Kingibe has commended Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s educational development, particularly in fostering youth leadership and critical thinking.
Kingibe, who gave the commendation while chairing the 2024 Young Adult Literature Prize Award Ceremony organized by the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI), praised Buratai’s dedication to nurturing young talent. Remembering his years in the military, Ambassador Kingibe recalled the massive research based transformation the Army witnessed during his administration as Army Chief as well as the capacity and intellectual development of both officers and soldiers. Ambassador Kingibe underscored the enduring power of literature as the foundation for effective communication, despite technological advancements.
“Technology cannot erode the power of the written word,” he said, pledging his partnership in TYBLI’s next edition to continue nurturing young talent in Nigeria.
The event was graced by great people from all walk of life. They included army generals like Brigadier General (rtd) Sani Usman Kukasheka, the Sarkin Yaƙi of Kanwan Katsina, Captain of industries like Dr. Ahmad Manzo. Others included Dr. Aminu Waziri, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Sani and host of others.
√ Conclusion:
The award ceremony was a resounding success, bringing together literary enthusiasts, young writers, and supporters of education. The TY Buratai Literary Initiative has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the next generation of literary giants in Nigeria.
Incredible..Well done for always, Dr Usman Bukar