IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
In an inspiring and heartfelt appeal, Chief Loye Olowookere, the Coordinator of the Abuja Chapter of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP), has called on governments, educators, parents, and the wider society to joint forces in a national effort to reignite the fading culture of reading in the country. Speaking during an exclusive interview, he emphasized that Nigeria is in urgent need of a cultural and intellectual revival, which must begin with reading.
THE FIGHT FOR READING BEGINS AT THE GRASSROOTS
The NBRP, which was originally founded in Lagos, extended its reach to Abuja a few years ago with a singular vision to make reading a core value in Nigerian life once again. The Abuja Chapter, under the leadership of Chief Olowookere, has taken on the mantle of bringing this vision to life in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
He explained that the mission of the organization is grounded in the belief that reading empowers individuals and transforms societies. A person who reads regularly, he said, becomes more informed, enlightened, and morally upright. In contrast, one who ignores reading becomes vulnerable to ignorance and manipulation. For the NBRP, the revival of reading is not simply a cultural project it is a national rescue mission.
A NATIONWIDE LITERACY MOVEMENT IN ACTION
The Abuja Chapter of the network is actively working to bring reading opportunities to communities through book donations, school programs, and partnerships with various educational institutions and literacy-focused agencies. The vision is to see every community equipped with a library that functions not just as a storage space for books, but as a vibrant hub for learning, mentorship, and social change.
According to Chief Olowookere, these efforts are ongoing and expanding. In various schools, children are being introduced to reading through creative events, interactive sessions, and youth-led reading clubs. These programs are designed to make reading enjoyable, accessible, and rewarding for children, regardless of their background or academic level.
THE CHALLENGE OF FUNDING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Despite the success of their efforts so far, the coordinator did not shy away from discussing the daunting financial challenges the organization faces. The scope of the vision demands resources—books, trained personnel, transportation, technology, and operational costs. Initially, most of the funding came from within the organization through personal contributions and support from volunteers. However, the need for larger and more consistent funding has become evident as the network expands its activities.
He expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions that have already shown support, including some lawmakers who have personally identified with the cause. Yet, he was clear in his message that more must be done. He urged corporate organizations, development partners, government agencies, and well-meaning individuals to see this effort as a shared responsibility and to support it generously.
ACADEMIC DECLINE AND THE COST OF NEGLECTING BOOKS
Chief Olowookere cited the dismal performance of students in recent national examinations as a glaring symptom of a deeper problem: the neglect of reading and critical thinking. He pointed out that many students today read only to pass exams and not to gain knowledge. The rise of internet distractions, superficial media content, and a shift in values has robbed young people of the discipline and joy that come from reading thoughtfully and consistently.
He warned that this trend is dangerous for the future of the country. Without a population that reads, he said, the society becomes shallow, reactive, and easily manipulated. Reading builds citizens who are thoughtful, independent-minded, and morally grounded qualities that Nigeria needs more than ever.
A CONDEMNATION OF MALPRACTICE AND MORAL COLLAPSE
In a bold critique, the coordinator condemned the growing involvement of parents in academic malpractice. He observed that parents are now among those facilitating examination fraud by taking their children to miracle centers, paying for leaked exam papers, and even bribing teachers. He called this a form of corruption and a betrayal of the values that parents should uphold.
He also pointed to the failure of religious and moral institutions in this regard. Despite the fact that both Islam and Christianity preach truthfulness, dignity, and personal integrity, some religious leaders and parents who claim to uphold these faiths are deeply involved in encouraging dishonest behavior.
According to him, corruption is not only about the theft of public fund it is also evident in the moral choices individuals make every day. When parents teach children to cheat in school, they are laying the foundation for a corrupt society.
ENGAGING THE YOUTH THROUGH POSITIVE MOTIVATION
The coordinator affirmed that despite the challenges, there is hope. At recent reading events hosted by the Abuja Chapter, several students performed excellently, demonstrating that there are still young people who love to read and excel academically. These students serve as proof that change is possible when young minds are properly nurtured.
He explained that the network intentionally focuses on youth, particularly schoolchildren, because early engagement is key. The younger the children are when they develop the habit of reading, the more likely they are to grow into responsible and knowledgeable adults.
A STRONG CALL TO ACTION FOR GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY
Chief Olowookere called on the government to take a more active role in supporting literacy efforts across the country. He stressed that while the NBRP and its partners are doing what they can, the work of promoting education and reading belongs fundamentally to the state.
He urged government ministries, educational agencies, and policy makers to support the network’s programs and see them as an extension of national development goals. He disclosed that preparations are already underway for a major literacy event later in the year, where representatives from all branches of the network will gather in Abuja. A key goal of this event is to unveil a newly upgraded school library within the Federal Capital Territory.
A MESSAGE TO PARENTS AND THE YOUTH
In his closing remarks, Chief Olowookere addressed both parents and the younger generation. He advised parents to stop shielding their children from the rigors of learning and to discourage shortcuts in education. True success, he emphasized, comes from hard work, discipline, and moral integrity.
To the youth, he had a clear and motivating message. He urged them to resist the culture of entitlement and instead embrace personal responsibility. He encouraged them to set goals, seek mentorship, and most importantly, read consistently. Even reading a single chapter each day, he said, can change a life.
“Reading brings dignity,” he said. “And a reader is always a better citizen.”
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