Mr Jacob Hundu, College Librarian, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom in Plateau, has urged the Federal Government to award special grants to public libraries to purchase modern books.
Hundu, who spoke on Tuesday at the Annual Readership Promotion Campaign in Jos, said that the availability of good books would attract more readers and improve Nigerians’ reading culture.
“The gesture will help in equipping the libraries with current books that will aid researchers.
“It will also demonstrate government’s commitment to promoting reading culture,” he said.
He also called for the inclusion of library period in schools timetable so as to stimulate a reading culture among students.
“Reading improves sleep and reduces stress; it also improves concentration and focus.
“Reading also stimulates imagination, helps in the learning of new words and improves language skills,’’ he pointed out.
In his remarks, Mr Joshua Madaki, Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA), advised librarians to take the reading culture campaigns to the prisons.
“Reading culture outreaches in prison will assist in the transformation processes of inmates through knowledge gained from books and other reading materials.
“The campaign is a timely intervention that will help the inmates to gain more knowledge toward becoming more useful members of the society on discharge.”
He promised to deliberate with colleagues toward ensuring that constituency projects were extended to advocacy in promoting reading culture in respective constituencies.
In her remarks, Mrs. Sarah Mshella, Branch Head, Plateau office of the National Library Nigeria (NLN), said that the major path to improving literacy was through the reading campaigns.
Also speaking, NLN’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Lenrie Aina, said that the theme of the 2019 campaign “Reviving Moribund Culture of Reading in Nigeria for Sustainable Development”, was apt, especially in view of current developments.
He said that the event was aimed at seeking solutions to obstacles to a sound reading culture in Nigeria.
Aina, who was represented by Mr Paul Mamman, his Special Assistant, said that the campaign would be taken to motor parks and pregnant women in hospitals.
“We want passengers to read while on transit, while drivers can also do so while waiting to take off,” he said.===NAN
