The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Niger Resources Limited, Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu, has described as “heartwarming” the recognition by Blueprint Newspaper of his contributions to young Nigerians through investments in education, literature, creativity, science and talent development.

Kwatu, who spoke after receiving the nomination letter for Blueprint Newspaper’s 2025 Building Legacy for Youth Development Award from the Chairman of the Award Selection Committee, Zainab Suleiman Okino, said the recognition had reinforced his belief that creating opportunities for young people was among the most enduring contributions anyone could make to society.

Kwatu described the award as memorable, saying true legacy lies in the value a person adds to society and the lives positively influenced by his contributions.

He dedicated the award to young Nigerians whose determination and creativity inspire his continued support for education, literature, science, technology, culture and the arts.

He commended Blueprint Newspaper for recognising his contributions to youth development, saying the honour would encourage him to sustain efforts that create opportunities for young Nigerians and contribute to the country’s future.

According to him, his philanthropic commitment to education, literature, science, creativity and youth development was driven by a desire to help young Nigerians discover and develop their abilities.

“One of the most meaningful forms of philanthropy is creating opportunities for young people to discover what they are capable of becoming,” he said.

Kwatu identified the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) as a major expression of this philosophy, stressing that the initiative had evolved from an effort to promote reading, creativity and intellectual development among secondary-school students into a platform for identifying, encouraging and rewarding emerging talents.

He said through HIASFEST, students participate in poetry, fiction, creative arts, drama, music, cultural activities, science, innovation and technology.

He said the festival was founded on the conviction that talent could be found in classrooms and communities across the country when young people were given opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

He said the support provided through the initiative had included scholarships, educational prizes, science projects, literary competitions and creative activities, while young writers had also been encouraged to develop their ideas and have their works published.

Kwatu said one of the most rewarding aspects of the intervention was seeing students progress from having an idea to becoming authors, artists, innovators and confident communicators.

He also highlighted the Nigeria Prize for Teen Authors, which provides secondary-school students with an avenue to develop their literary abilities at an early age.

According to him, supporting young authors, publishing their works and providing platforms through which they could reach wider audiences would contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s literary community.

Kwatu stressed the importance of preserving Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, including its languages, stories, music, dance, traditions and other forms of creative expression.

He said HIASFEST gives young Nigerians opportunities to appreciate and express their cultural heritage while developing skills in contemporary fields such as science, technology and innovation.

“A young Nigerian should be able to look forward without losing sight of where he or she comes from,” he said.

Kwatu acknowledged the contributions of the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation, the Aliyu Trust Foundation, teachers, parents, participating schools, volunteers, writers, artists and other individuals and organisations involved in the initiatives.

He said meaningful contributions to society were rarely the product of one individual, stressing that teachers who encourage students, parents who make sacrifices for education, writers who guide young authors and institutions that create opportunities all have important roles to play in preparing the next generation.

The philanthropist also said the value of philanthropy should not be judged principally by the amount of money donated.

He explained that while financial assistance could address an immediate need, an opportunity could alter the direction of a person’s life.

“A scholarship can keep a child in school. A book can awaken a lifelong passion for knowledge. A competition can reveal a hidden talent. A science grant can turn an idea into an innovation. Recognition can give a young person the confidence to attempt something previously considered impossible,” he said.

He said such interventions could continue producing benefits long after the original support had been provided.

Reflecting on his position as Chairman/CEO of Niger Resources Limited, he said responsible leadership should extend beyond commercial performance.

He maintained that businesses operate within communities and have a responsibility to contribute to their wellbeing and advancement, urging individuals and institutions to consider the lasting impact of their work.

According to him, important questions include whether they are building institutions capable of enduring, preparing young people for leadership, transmitting knowledge and values, and creating opportunities for future generations.