A lecturer of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ms. Titi Oyebade, has said that good reading culture would enhance peace and national development, and that to be a writer, one must first be a reader.

Oyebade, who stated this at a symposium, organized by the Ondo State Library Board, to mark the 15th edition of the World Book Day, at the Ondo State Library Board Complex in Akure, on April 23, 2012, emphasized that if one cannot read he/she can never be a writer.

She decried the situation where students spend more time on facebook and other social media rather than reading, stressing that while students should be encouraged to use the internet to acquire knowledge, good reading culture will expose the reader to other people’s culture and the country can achieve peace and national development when other cultures are understood.

In conclusion, Oyebade urged government and private stakeholders to incorporate electronic library system into Nigeria libraries.

In his remark, the Head of NICO SW Zone, Mr. Ohi Ojo, stated that it was better to read more than watch and that reading will also help in checking spelling errors.

Ojo went further to intimate participants on Institute’s mandate and how the NICO Cultural Clubs in Secondary Schools will help in promoting good reading culture in Nigeria.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of Ondo State Library Board, Mr. Tope Babalola, said a man, who refuses to read will lack knowledge, and stressed that in order to learn, one must have the necessary patience to read and assimilate.

According to him, one hour of good reading culture per day will aid in increasing the level of literacy in Nigeria.

Other papers delivered at the occasion were, “Public Communication in Promoting the Culture of Reading,” by Mr. Taoheed Ajao, the Senior Special Assistant (Public Communication) to the Ondo State Governor, and “The Role of Library to Education,” by Mrs. Tope Akomolafe.

The event had in attendance participants from several schools in Ondo State like Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure, St. Frances Academy, Igoba, Akure, Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, St. Peters Secondary School, Akure, and St. Louis Girls Grammar School, Akure.

Stephen Ayomoba
Corporate Affairs SWZ