World book day dolapo osinbajo advocates reading culture among nigerians

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World Book Day: Dolapo Osinbajo Advocates Reading Culture Among Nigerians

As the world celebrates World Book Day, Nigeria's First Lady, Dolapo Osinbajo, has called on Nigerians to cultivate a reading culture, emphasizing its importance in shaping the country's future.

Speaking at a book reading event organized by the National Library of Nigeria, Mrs. Osinbajo said, "Reading is a vital tool for personal and national development. It broadens one's perspective, fosters critical thinking, and equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges of the 21st century."

She noted that despite Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and literary tradition, the country still lags behind in terms of reading habits, with many Nigerians preferring to rely on technology for information rather than reading books.

"Reading is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about developing a sense of empathy, understanding, and tolerance. It helps us to see the world from different perspectives and to appreciate the diversity of human experiences," Mrs. Osinbajo said.

The First Lady also highlighted the importance of promoting literacy among children, saying that it is crucial for their cognitive development and future success. "Children who read regularly are more likely to perform better in school, develop better language skills, and have a higher chance of becoming successful individuals," she said.

To promote reading culture among Nigerians, Mrs. Osinbajo announced plans to establish a national reading initiative, which will include the establishment of reading clubs, book fairs, and author readings across the country.

"We will also partner with schools, libraries, and other organizations to promote literacy and reading among children and adults alike," she said.

The event, which was attended by authors, publishers, and book lovers, featured a book reading session, where participants were treated to excerpts from popular Nigerian novels and poetry.

World Book Day is celebrated annually on April 23 to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. It was first celebrated in 1995 and has since become a global event, with millions of people around the world participating in book-related activities.

In Nigeria, the day is marked with various events, including book fairs, author readings, and literary competitions. This year's celebration is expected to be one of the biggest yet, with many Nigerians coming together to celebrate the joy of reading.