By Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been commended for encouraging reading culture by approving and releasing a portion of land in 2022 for the National Library Board Complex after 30 years of waiting.
National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Abuja, Prof. Chinwe Veronica gave the commendation during the Public Presentation/Distribution of Books and Formal Launch of Gateway Readers Club in Flagship Secondary Schools in the State, describing the gesture as lifesaving.
Prof. Chinwe, represented by the Head of Branch, National Library Board, Ogun State, Dr. Abosede Sangosanya described reading as catalyst for shaping the thoughts of the youths in the right direction, as well as a major mechanism to empower man, towards unlocking future opportunities, noting that reading makes young people intelligent and shape them to the right path.
She commended the Governor for his passion and commitment towards repositioning the education sector in the State to a world standard.
In his address, the Head of Service in the State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, explained that government was determined to provide students with needed resources and support, to fully optimise reading and its benefits.
Onasanya admonished the students to take full advantage of this initiative to read widely and critically, to shapen their horizon, hinting that literary materials to be distributed include reference materials, charts, maps, biographies, as well as fictions and non-fiction that will inspire, educate, and entertain the young minds.
“To our students, I urge you to take full advantage of this initiative, read widely, read critically, and read for pleasure. Engaging our students in extracurricular activities will stem the tide of the recurring decimal of the orgy of violence and nefarious activities perpetrated through deviant behaviours of our idle students”, Onasanya said.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu said reading encourages literacy, critical thinking and literary engagement, expressing that Prince Dapo Abiodun should be lauded for his commitment at ensuring Libraries in the State are well resourced and integral in schools.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Ronke Soyombo noted that learners’ foundation should be laid on reading, as without reading skills, the students can only decode and not comprehend, imploring parents and stakeholders to pay attention to reading, so as to improve their intelligent quotient
In his welcome address, the Executive Director, Ogun State Library Board, Mr. Vincent Giwa said the present administration was committed to providing quality educational resources, while appreciating the dedication of the government towards equipping schools with relevant materials that cater for a wide range of interest and learning styles.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ogun State Library Board, Prof. Victor Awonusi applauded the Commissioner for his passion for book reading and education, as well as his efforts to resuscitate library board, commending Dr. Ronke Soyombo for her great work in secondary school system.
Appreciating the opportunity for participation, learners from African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, Abidoye Gold and Ochola Lawrence said the experience has encouraged them to dedicate more time for reading.