World Book Day: Initiative Calls For Better Reading Culture Among Nigerian Youths

In commemoration of the World Book Day 2026, the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has called for renewed efforts to strengthen reading culture among Nigerian youths.

The call was made during a press conference marking the flag-off of TYBLI’s 2026 activities. The event featured a read-aloud session and an interactive programme with students centered on the books “The Legend of Buratai and Truth & Dare”. The session, led by Ms Abubakar, engaged students in a lively literary experience aimed at stimulating interest in reading and storytelling.

At the event, the chairman of TYBLI, Dr Elizabeth Ben Theanacho, described the initiative as a strategic platform for advancing literacy, education, and youth development in Nigeria.

“It is, indeed, an immense privilege to share our goals, aspirations, and value-adding projects to the literary and educational communities of our dear nation,” she said.

“Our projections for 2026 are built on the foundation and achievements of the past two years.”

She expressed gratitude to God Almighty and to the initiative’s principal, Ambassador Lt. Gen. T. Y. Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, for his unwavering support toward the initiative’s growth and impact.

Dr. Iheanacho explained that TYBLI is a literary, literacy, and educational intervention project focused on promoting Young Adult Literature (YAL) to enhance reading habits among young Nigerians.

Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has implemented key strategies to engage youths. These include the deployment of customized mobile libraries known as “TYBLI Book Boxes,” stocked with age-appropriate reading materials in secondary schools. So far, eight of such boxes have been installed across schools in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States.

She further noted that TYBLI has institutionalized the YAL Pioneers and Illustrators Award to honour contributors to youth literature in Nigeria. Notably, Cyprian Ekwensi was recognized in 2024, while Mohammed Sule received the award in 2025.

To encourage emerging writers, the initiative also established the TYBLI Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP), which rewards outstanding literary works at both zonal and national levels. Participation has grown significantly, with submissions increasing from 51 entries in 2024 to 101 in 2025.

Dr. Iheanacho added that an illustrated anthology featuring the top ten entries from the 2024 edition has been published and is currently being distributed to tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including university libraries and departments of English and Literary Studies.

Looking ahead, she announced key dates for the 2026 programme, including the release of the shortlist on October 1, 2026, and the TYBLI Awards Ceremony scheduled for October 31, 2026.

She also revealed an increase in the Grand Prize for the national winner, now set at ₦2,000,000, up from ₦1.5 million in 2025.

Dr. Iheanacho concluded by appreciating partners and stakeholders for their continued support, expressing optimism that the initiative will further contribute to building a stronger reading culture and a more literate society in Nigeria.