By Henry Akubuiro
The T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has received prase from one of Africa’s most respected literary scholars, Professor Ernest N. Emenyonu, following the posthumous conferment of the TYBLI Young Adult Literature Award on iconic Nigerian author Cyprian O.D. Ekwensi.
In a letter addressed to Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), Chairman of TYBLI and the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Prof. Emenyonu described the award as a “historic honour” and a “timely intervention” that reinforces the legacy of Ekwensi’s pioneering contributions to Young Adult Literature (YAL) in Nigeria.
Prof. Emenyonu, an Emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and editor of African Literature Today, expressed deep gratitude for the initiative.
“If Cyprian Ekwensi were alive today, he would cherish this award as his most indisputably merited recognition as a Nigerian writer. The award is a clear and firm vindication of his unmatched contributions to Young Adult Literature in Nigeria,” he said.
The professor, who authored two books on Ekwensi and maintains close scholarly ties to the late writer’s legacy, revealed that Ekwensi had begun work on an autobiography before his passing in 2007 and entrusted the manuscript to him. He added that the TYBLI award has renewed his commitment and momentum in completing the manuscript for public release.
In his response, Lt. Gen. Buratai thanked Prof. Emenyonu for the kind remarks, assuring of TYBLI’s continued dedication to promoting literary excellence in Nigeria. “Your words of praise encourage the efforts of the Initiative, which has my full endorsement to strive towards more laudable literary investments,” he said. “I look forward to the publication of Ekwensi’s autobiography.”
Lt. Gen. Buratai also reaffirmed the Initiative’s objective to spotlight literary pioneers and inspire young readers and writers by celebrating notable figures in the nation’s literary heritage.
The T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative was established to promote literacy and reward authors of Young Adult Literature whose works have contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s cultural and educational development. The award to Cyprian Ekwensi marks the beginning of a series of recognitions aimed at preserving the nation’s literary legacy for future generations.