The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has enjoined Nigerian youths to rekindle their interest in reading, stressing that the decline of reading culture in the country is becoming an issue of national concern.
Ayakoroma made this call at the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Roundtable on Cultural Orientation (ARTCO), organized by the Institute on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, with the theme: “Promoting Reading Culture in Nigeria: The Role of Institutions.”
The ES said “The declining interest in reading exhibited by our younger generation is a cause for alarm and a challenge to all,” and further reiterated that for the youths to develop a better sense of direction in life and foster good leadership decisions for the overall benefit of the nation, parents also have a crucial role to play as the first contacts to the children.
He decried the situation, where parents hardly spend time with their children to groom them academically, spiritually and socially, thereby denying them the opportunity to strengthen their potential achievements.
Acknowledging that reading culture may not, in itself, resolve all problems militating against the developmental efforts of the nation, the NICO Boss maintained that promoting reading culture in Nigeria will contribute meaningfully to the “Bring Back the Book” initiative of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, aimed at improving the dwindling reading culture in Nigeria.
A working document which will chart the way forward in enhancing the reading culture is expected to emanate from the Annual Round Table, which attracted many institutions.
Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs