TY Buratai literary Initiative distributes books to school in Kaduna

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYLI) founded by the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd) has distributed 40 assorted books to Girau International School in Kaduna.

According to chairman of TYLI, Dr. Liz Ben-Iheanacho, there are five boxes containing 40 assorted books each to be distributed to five schools across the country for the 2025 programme.

She said Girau school was the first to receive the box for book placement in schools this year

Speaking to newsmen at the occasion, Iheanacho assured that the foundation will continue to engage Nigerian youths through literacy and literary advocacy.

“We are making impact, one reader one time, transforming literary fortunes six winners at a time and with clarity and focus, will continue to work towards a more literate Nigeria as the vehicle for social transformation.

“The Foundation is an educational outreach and community give-back service initiative that has mandate to contribute to a more literate Nigeria through book placements which ensure quality, age appropriate leisure reading materials for youths.

“It also exist to incubate literary potentials through the TYBLI Young Adult Literature Prize. During its maiden outing in 2024, the foundation kept faith with its mandate by placing book box in 3 schools: Nasarawa state and FCT.

“It also expanded the number of literary awards available in Nigeria, birthed the number of winners of a single literary prize in Nigeria”. She said

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Girau International School, Rear Admiral Abdul Adamu Biu (Retd) stated that, “At Girau International School (GIS), our curriculum is a blend of Nigeria and British curriculum. We also boast of experienced teachers, secure learning environment and unique Eco-Friendly structures as well as modern learning facilities conforming to the objectives of Basic Education.

“The choice of a blended curriculum is to enhance learning outcomes that exposes learners to a wider range of deliverables that include skill acquisition, technology, practical life experiences and hands-on-learning programs for children of all ages. At GIS, we give attention to excellent handwriting skill, reading and spelling proficiency as well as mental mathematical accuracy.

“We also train our learners on public speaking, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). Teacher training and development is also an ongoing process in a sustained manner to ensure teachers are in tune with new trend and technological advancement in the educational sector.

“Learning is a world of fun and adventure at GIS. That’s why we are dedicated to developing early readers while focusing on comprehensive educational development. In this regards, we dedicate reading time where we employ phonics, fluency, vocabulary development and key reading strategies to enhance comprehension.

“This speaks to the ‘Book Placement Project’ by the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) as we are witnessing today. The ‘Book Placement Project’ can be summed up to be Literary appreciation which is a process of actively reading, understanding, and critically evaluating work of literature, considering its various elements, including theme, style, language, and overall impact.

“Therefore, by accepting the ‘Book Placement Project’, GIS will ensure that both subjective engagement and objective analysis will be utilized to ultimately deepen understanding and enjoyment of the text to be read by our learners.

“GIS is here instituting two categories of awards to support the ‘Book Placement Project’ initiative. The awards will be ‘The Most Number of Books Read’ and the ‘Best Reviewers’. The first to third positions in each categories will be awarded accordingly”.

Protecting Children’s Rights: NBA Ikorodu Branch Takes a Stand

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu Branch, has launched a sensitisation programme aimed at promoting the effective practice of the Child’s Rights Law across the schools in the entire Ikorodu suburb of Lagos State.
The programme, titled: “Training the Trainer Initiative Series,” brought together stakeholders in the education sector to discuss the importance of child’s rights and protection.

Chief Magistrate Olajumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu, a key resource person at the event, emphasized the significance of understanding the Child’s Rights Law.

She disclosed that children are a divine inheritance and it’s crucial that parents and guardians know their rights. “When we understand the law, we can advocate for it. We should join hands to train children in the society, ensuring all have access to quality education” she said.

Olagbegi-Adelabu highlighted the duty of caregivers to help children actualise their rights, adding that data collection is essential for forensic reports and child protection.

“A child’s rights are paramount. We need to know the legal framework of child protection and manage their behaviour generally,” she stressed.

Oyinkansola Badejo, Esq, noted that guardians are the best teachers globally, playing a vital role in shaping children’s lives.

She noted the need for continuous training and retraining on new trends in teaching and the Child’s Rights Law, adding:

“We should accept whatever comes up and work together to train children in the society, ensuring all have access to quality education.”

Comrade Abiodun Kolawole, Esq ( AKA “Iya Gani Fawehinmi”) a renowned activist, Media and Legal Practitioner took the participants through pre-test and post Examination Questions of Training the Trainer Initiative Series,” emphasized the importance of proper parenting and value orientation, stating that children have the right to voice their opinions and areas of needs which must be heard and listened to globally.

“It’s essential duty bearers and persons who takes care of children help them actualised these rights,” she added.

The NBA Ikorodu Branch Chairperson, Olawunmi Adeola, Esq, explained that the programme was initiated after a disturbing video emerged showing a teacher physically abusing a three-year-old pupil.
Describing the rationale for such physical abuse on minors as disheartening, she canvassed the need to train and retrain schools guardians and sensitize them to the Child’s Rights Law.

Adeola emphasized the NBA’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, saying, “We are not going to stop.

The sensitization and awareness programme is a continuous thing. We’ll take it to religious bodies, community heads, and markets.”

Adeola advised parents to prioritise justice for abused children, saying, “When you see something, say something. Let all the perpetrators face the law. Allow justice to prevail for abused children. Remember, whatever you’re offered cannot change the trauma the victim has experienced”.

2baba, Makhadzi, Stonebwoy, Eddy kenzo, Nikita others storm Ethiopia as AU unveils AFRIMA 2025 Calendar, Host City

Celebrated African music icon 2baba Idibia will headline a dynamic lineup of artists and global music industry leaders as panelists at the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference, which forms part of a two-day event organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) to unveil the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City, at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 13 to 14, 2025.

Joining 2baba on the panels are top names such as South African superstar, Makhadzi; the vibrant Kenya music sensation, Nikita Kering; Ugandan multiple-award winner, and music executive, Eddy Kenzo; international pop star and ARIMA 2018 best artist in Raggae/Ragga from Ghana, Stonebwoy; Founder and CEO of Bana Records, Ethiopia, Bien Mekonnen; AFRIMA’s Regional Director and CEO of Yekwatu, Mike Strano; and Leo Fakhrul the Founder and Managing Director, Mamba Sounds, Edinburgh, UK amongst others. Together, they will engage in forward-thinking conversations around the future of African music, and the continent’s evolving creative economy.

According to Eyob Alemayehu, AFRIMA’s Country Director in Ethiopia, the excitement surrounding the hosting rights bid will hit its peak when the winning city is officially announced and awarded a certificate during the event.

Alemayehu also mentioned that the official theme for this year’s Africa’s global Music Award and the biggest music event in Africa, AFRIMA 2025 will be revealed during the two-day event, which will feature other exciting activities and programs that speaks to the seven (7) pillars of AFRIMA; (1) Music Awards (2) Music Festival (3) AFRIMA Kreative Academy (4) Talent Discovery and Promotion (5) Africa Music Business Hub (6) Policy Debate and Advisory (7) Advocacy

The first day will begin with an intellectually engaging Music conference with theme: Music Beyond Borders, followed by a host city announcement and calendar unveiling. Experts will dive into important topics like music industry policies, international collaborations, and strategies to boost Africa’s creative sector from developmental and economic growth prism. The calendar unveiling will provide information on the various programs, build-up activations and dates for main ceremonies of AFRIMA 2025.

“It’s a fully loaded first day,” said Alemayehu. “The Music Conference will kick off with the first panel session, ‘Borderless Beats: The Future of African Music in a Globalized World’, exploring how African sounds are resonating with global audiences. This will be followed by Panel Session 2, ‘Unlocking and Monetizing Africa’s Music Economy’, where top industry experts will discuss strategies to grow and sustain the continent’s creative sector.”

“We are bringing some of Africa’s most respected voices in music, and key industry leaders to Ethiopia because this is a crucial moment for the continent’s creative industry. Their insights and experiences are vital as we discuss and dissect the future of African music and explore strategies to grow a sustainable creative economy that speaks to both our heritage and our global aspirations.”

The day will wrap up with the AFRIMA Dinner & Social Networking Event, an exclusive gathering featuring AFRIMA and AU officials, renowned artists, and special industry stakeholders. This is a fantastic chance for everyone in the African music scene to connect and explore potential collaborations, Alemayehu said.

He added that on the second day, delegates will have a fantastic opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. The City Tour will take participants to intriguing historical landmarks, heritage sites, museums, and artistic hubs, allowing for an immersive experience of Ethiopia’s vibrant culture.

“The unveiling of the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City is not just the beginning of another award season, it is a strong statement that Africa’s creative industry is moving forward. This moment starts the journey to another exciting edition in 2025, where the continent and the diaspora will come together to celebrate our music and culture,” Alemayehu.