December 4, 2024
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Taofeek Olatunbosun wins Buratai’s Young Adult Literature Prize 2024

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  • November 2, 2024
  • 4 min read
Taofeek Olatunbosun wins Buratai’s Young Adult Literature Prize 2024

* Eko Book Club congratulates Olatunbosun

By Editor

EKO Book Club, one of the book clubs under the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global), has congratulated Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun for his recent achievement in winning this year’s Young Adult Literature Prize. Olatunbosun, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and previously held the role of National Publicity Secretary, was awarded this prestigious prize by the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI).

The congratulatory message was made public in a press statement by Eko Book Club’s founder, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan on Saturday to Olatunbosun’ for his winning work, Truth and Dare that earns him the cash prize of N1,000,000 (one million naira).

Adedoyin praised Olatunbosun’s dedication to literature and his commitment to addressing important social issues through his writing, which resonated deeply with the panel of judges for the TYBLI prize.

The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI), a non-profit organization founded by retired Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, aims to inspire reading, literacy, and educational advancement across Nigeria. The organization’s programs focus on empowering young minds and fostering a lasting culture of learning, using literature as a tool for societal transformation.

The Young Adult Literature Prize is one of TYBLI’s key initiatives to promote and recognize the works of talented Nigerian writers, especially those who engage with critical themes affecting the youth.

The monetary prize was presented to Olatunbosun by the former Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Buratai, along with Babagana Kingibe.

This powerful novel centres on Brainbox, a brilliant young boy whose mysterious death under tragic circumstances leaves his family and friends searching for answers. The story unfolds as an intricate mystery, exploring the pressures of parental expectations, the unique burdens of gifted youth, and the mental health challenges that many adolescents face.

Through its intense narrative and carefully constructed flashbacks, Truth and Dare raises thought-provoking questions about the hidden struggles that often accompany exceptional intelligence.

The narrative of Truth and Dare has been lauded for its exploration of mental health issues among young people, a subject that is often overlooked but is increasingly relevant in today’s society.

The novel’s compelling storyline and emotional depth underscore Olatunbosun’s skill as a writer and his commitment to shedding light on the internal battles many young people experience.

Eko Book Club recognized this contribution as a significant milestone in Nigerian young adult literature. Olatunbosun is not only an accomplished author but also an academic with a Ph.D. in Literary Psychobiography, a field that analyzes the psychological motivations and emotional underpinnings of literary figures.

He began his career as a university lecturer in his twenties and has remained an influential educator and researcher. He currently serves as a principal researcher with Grecian Books, a literary arm of Grecian Limited, where he continues to contribute to the fields of literature and education.

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Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun

In addition to his writing and academic pursuits, Olatunbosun has served as a cultural ambassador within Nigeria, actively promoting literature and literacy among young Nigerians. He has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in both creative writing and public speaking, further establishing him as a leading voice in Nigeria’s literary community. His contributions to literature and education continue to inspire young writers and students alike.

Eko Book Club applauded Olatunbosun’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to addressing complex themes in his work. His success with Truth and Dare highlights the importance of exploring real-life issues that resonate with young readers and offers valuable lessons on empathy, resilience, and the complexities of human experience.

As a community dedicated to promoting Nigerian literature, Eko Book Club is proud to celebrate Olatunbosun’s achievements and is confident that his work will inspire a new generation of writers.

The club remains committed to supporting Nigerian authors and fostering a love for reading and intellectual engagement within the country.

With this award, Olatunbosun has joined a growing list of talented Nigerian writers recognized by TYBLI, reinforcing the importance of literature as a platform for education and social change in Nigeria.

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