Former Chiefs of Army Staff, rtd, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai and Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, on Saturday, called for greater investment in youth empowerment through literature, describing it as a vital tool for national reawakening and intellectual growth.

Buratai reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the initiative, pledging to make the Young Adult Literature Prize one of Nigeria’s most prestigious platforms for literary excellence.

Speaking at the 2nd edition of the Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP), in Abuja, Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, emphasised that books and ideas are as crucial to nation-building as any instrument of state power.

The event, organised by the T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI), drew an audience of distinguished guests, literary enthusiasts, military veterans, and young writers from across the country. It was chaired by Lt.-Gen. O.A. Ihejirika (rtd), CFR, while Buratai, founder and patron of TYBLI, served as chief host.

Buratai also announced that TYBLI had donated books to five schools across the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State, with plans to expand its outreach nationwide.

Delivering his remarks, Buratai, the founder and patron of TYBLI, expressed profound satisfaction with the progress of the initiative, which he described as a platform designed to “encourage young adults to read, write, and think critically about their society.”

He said: “When the concept of this prize was first presented to me, it was a most welcome and compelling proposition. We sought to create a dedicated platform that would encourage our young people to harness literature as a powerful instrument for reflection and positive change.

“As a soldier, a teacher, and a diplomat, I have witnessed the transformative power that ideas and narratives can have in shaping a nation’s destiny. A book can ignite the essential values of courage, discipline, patriotism, and compassion, the very bedrock of exemplary citizenship.”

He presented special awards of recognition to Mr. Simon Kolawole, publisher and editor-in-chief of TheCable, and Mr. Femi Oyewale, publisher of Sahara Weekly and Sahara TV, praising them for their “impactful contributions to journalism, national development, and humanity.”

He added, “Gold or silver, we have none to offer you. But this award stands as a strong motivation for you to continue to prioritise the unity and development of the Nigerian nation.”

He also appreciated Hajia Hauwa Sidi Aliyu, CEO of Adams Pages Bookstore, for her contribution to promoting reading culture among young Nigerians.

In his address, the Chairman of the Occasion, Lt. Gen. O.A. Ihejirika (rtd), hailed the initiative as a “vital investment in the intellectual fabric of our nation.”
He lauded his former subordinate, Buratai, for his enduring commitment to national development, describing him as a man of discipline and foresight.

Ihejirika said: “During my tenure as Chief of Army Staff, Buratai stood out for his exceptional competence and leadership. What we witness today through TYBLI is a continuation of that legacy, proof that true leadership does not retire; it simply finds new frontiers.”

He urged Nigerian youths to embrace reading and creative writing as tools for transformation, emphasising that the Young Adult Literature Prize promotes depth, creativity, and sustained intellectual effort, values often overshadowed by the pursuit of quick fame.

He also used the platform to offer reflections on national security, calling on serving officers to remain loyal, professional, and disciplined in their efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s unity.

He added, “The trust of the Nigerian people is your most powerful weapon,” Ihejirika said. “You are not just fighting to restore peace; you are defending the very idea of a united, prosperous Nigeria.”

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to the winners of the 2025 edition of the Young Adult Literature Prize. Adoo Guyuur emerged as the Grand Prize Winner, earning widespread applause for his exceptional storytelling and depth of insight.