The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has launched its 2025 activities, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s reading culture, promote creative writing, and reward young literary talents. The initiative, founded and sponsored by Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.), seeks to enhance literacy across the country through book placements, competitions, and literary prizes.
Commitment to Literacy and Literary Excellence
At a press briefing, Dr. Lizi Ben-Theanacho, chairperson of TYBLI, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing literacy by providing young Nigerians with quality, age-appropriate reading materials and fostering literary creativity.
“Our foundational mandate is to contribute to a more literate Nigeria through book placements and the TYBLI Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP). This initiative serves as an educational outreach and community give-back service,” she stated.
Key Initiatives for 2025
- Publication of an Anthology:
- The top 10 entries from the 2024 YALP competition will be compiled and published at no cost to the participants.
- Copies of the anthology will be distributed nationwide to secondary and tertiary institutions to inspire young writers.
- Increased Prize Money:
- The grand prize for the 2025 YALP winner has been increased from ₦1 million to ₦1.5 million, thanks to sponsorship from Amb. Babagana Kingibe, GCON.
- Regional winners from the six geopolitical zones will each receive ₦500,000, double the previous amount.
- Expanded Book Placements:
- TYBLI will place book boxes in five additional schools, including institutions in Kaduna, Nasarawa, and the FCT.
- Recognition of Literary Pioneers:
Kola Onadipe and Frances Effiong, pioneers in Nigerian Young Adult Literature (YAL), will be honored for their contributions.
2025 Timeline of Activities
- February 2025 – Flag-off Press Conference
- April 2025 – Call for YALP 2025 Submissions
- May 2025 – Book Placement Exercise
- June 2025 – YALP Submission Deadline
- July 2025 – Unveiling of Judges
- August 2025 – Announcement of Longlist
- September 2025 – Shortlist Adjudication
- October 2025 – Final Shortlist Announcement
- November 1, 2025 – Grand Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
Call for Support
Dr. Ben-Theanacho urged corporate organisations, government agencies, and individuals to support the initiative, highlighting its role in shaping a more literate and informed society.
“We are transforming literary fortunes, one reader at a time, one winner at a time. With clarity and focus, we will continue working towards a more literate Nigeria. Please partner with us,” she said.
Concerns Over Declining Reading Culture
Speaking at the event, Dr. M.S. Abubakar, Vice President of TYBLI, lamented the declining reading habits among Nigerian youths, attributing it to the rise of digital entertainment and mobile gadgets.
“It is a sorry state. People now prefer to watch movies instead of reading books. If you mention Things Fall Apart, they ask for the movie instead of the book. Unfortunately, watching cannot replace reading,” he said.
Dr. Abubakar emphasized the importance of early reading habits, warning that failing to cultivate them could have long-term consequences for educational and intellectual development.
Buratai’s Vision for Literary Growth
He commended Lt. Gen. Buratai’s commitment to the initiative and called on other wealthy Nigerians to invest in literary development, comparing it to how industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford funded educational projects in developed nations.
With these initiatives, TYBLI is poised to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s literary landscape ensuring that future generations embrace reading, creativity, and intellectual growth.
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