…U.S.-Based Prof. Ernest Emenyonu Applauds TYBLI Award as a Landmark Tribute
The posthumous conferment of the inaugural T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) Young Adult Literature Award on renowned Nigerian author Cyprian O.D. Ekwensi has earned international praise, particularly from one of Africa’s foremost literary scholars, Prof. Ernest N. Emenyonu.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), Chairman of the TYBLI and the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Prof. Emenyonu described the award as a “historic honour” and a fitting testament to Ekwensi’s groundbreaking contributions to Nigerian literature.
The emeritus professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and editor of the highly regarded African Literature Today journal, Emenyonu expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, calling it a timely move to rejuvenate interest in Young Adult Literature (YAL) in Nigeria.
“If Cyprian Ekwensi were alive today, he would cherish this award as his most indisputably merited recognition as a Nigerian writer,” Prof. Emenyonu wrote. “This award is a clear and firm vindication of his pioneering contributions to Young Adult Literature in Nigeria.”
Having authored two major works on Ekwensi—Cyprian Ekwensi (1974) and The Essential Ekwensi (1987)—Prof. Emenyonu revealed that he is currently editing the late author’s unpublished autobiography, entrusted to him shortly before Ekwensi’s death in 2007.
“This award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work on his autobiography,” the scholar noted.
In his response, Lt. Gen. Buratai expressed humility and joy at the commendation, reaffirming his commitment to celebrating icons of Nigerian literature. He emphasized that the TYBLI Award seeks to spotlight and reward authors who have shaped the nation’s literary landscape, especially in the domain of youth literature.
“Your words of praise and acknowledgment of the significance of the award in the global literary community encourage the efforts of the Initiative,” Buratai stated. “I look forward to the publication of Ekwensi’s autobiography.”
The TYBLI Award, launched in 2024, is dedicated to promoting Young Adult Literature in Nigeria and fostering a culture of reading among younger generations. Honouring Cyprian Ekwensi as its first recipient in November 2024, the initiative has further cemented his legacy and reignited efforts to preserve his literary heritage.
Prof. Emenyonu concluded his letter with a note of personal gratitude: “The award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work on his autobiography. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
This momentous recognition bridges generations of literary excellence, linking Nigeria’s storied past with its vibrant present, and celebrates the enduring impact of Cyprian Ekwensi
on African literature.
