Renowned African literary scholar, Professor Ernest N. Emenyonu, has lauded the T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) for honouring legendary Nigerian author, Cyprian O.D. Ekwensi, with a posthumous award, described it as a “historic honour” and a “timely intervention” in Nigeria’s literary development.
The award, conferred under the TYBLI Young Adult Literature category, was announced by the Initiative as part of its efforts to celebrate literary pioneers whose works have shaped the nation’s cultural and educational landscape.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of TYBLI and the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), Prof. Emenyonu, Emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and editor of African Literature Today, commended the initiative for spotlighting the late author’s legacy.
“If Cyprian Ekwensi were alive today, he would cherish this award as his most indisputably merited recognition as a Nigerian writer,” Emenyonu stated. “The award is a clear and firm vindication of his unmatched contributions to Young Adult Literature in Nigeria.”
Prof. Emenyonu, who has written extensively on Ekwensi and maintained close scholarly ties to his body of work, also revealed that Ekwensi had begun work on an autobiography before his death in 2007. He noted that the TYBLI award has rekindled his passion to complete and publish the manuscript.
Responding to the commendation, Lt. Gen. Buratai expressed appreciation for the Professor’s remarks and reiterated TYBLI’s commitment to celebrating excellence in literature.
“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.”
The TY Buratai Literary Initiative was founded to promote literacy and honour authors of Young Adult Literature whose works inspire and educate Nigerian youths. The award to Ekwensi is the first in a series of recognitions aimed at preserving Nigeria’s literary heritage.
