The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has called on schoolchildren to embrace reading as a fundamental aspect of their education and personal development. This passionate appeal was made during a recent book reading program for secondary school pupils, organized by TotalEnergies, held at the company's Lagos office. The event, which gathered students from over ten different secondary schools within the state, carried the theme 'The World is a Maze: Navigate it – Read'.
Represented by Tolani Alli-Balogun, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hamzat expressed his concerns over the dwindling interest among children for reading, attributing it to distractions from social media. "Many children today no longer engage with the habit of reading or the joy of discovering new information through books," he lamented, emphasizing reading's pivotal role as the cornerstone of successful learning and self-discovery.
Hamzat elaborated on the significance of reading, stating, "The key point to success lies within reading, learning, and discovering. Through reading, you grasp new knowledge, which is not just beneficial for your present but is also an investment for your future." He pointed out the lack of stimulation and encouragement for reading, urging students to cultivate their love for it and recognize its benefits.
He went on to highlight the numerous skills garnered through regular reading, such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and comprehension abilities. These skills are not just academic but extend to practical situations encountered in everyday life. "The power of reading lies in its ability to sharpen your reasoning skills, enabling you to engage with various situations thoughtfully and appropriately," he stated.
Hamzat encouraged the attending pupils to rejuvenate their reading culture by initiating book clubs at their schools and promised support from the government, including book donations to schools needing resources. "After today, I want each of you to return to your schools and create vibrant book reading clubs. I will also provide my contact details to facilitate book donations to your clubs," he mentioned, reinforcing the importance of reading clubs as conduits for fostering enthusiasm about literature among students.
Victor Bandele, the Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Assets at TotalEnergies, echoed Hamzat's sentiments during the event. He extolled reading as one of life’s most important habits, pivotal for information acquisition, directional guidance, and character formation. He noted the privilege of living in an age where access to literature is easier than ever, thanks to technology.
"Today, you don't need to be confined to physical libraries; e-books and various digital platforms afford you the convenience of reading on mobile devices, tablets, and computers. This accessibility enriches your learning experience and nurtures your curiosity," Bandele said.
Bandele urged the students to actively participate in reading-related activities such as book clubs and launches. He also encouraged personal expression through writing, promising they would unearth remarkable discoveries about themselves and the world around them. The event culminated with reviews from students on the book, Give Us Each Day by Samuel Monye, providing them with practical experience discussing literature.
The schools participating included prominent institutions such as Ajeromi Ifelodun Senior High School, Amuwo Odofin Senior Secondary School, and Ojo Senior High School, reflecting the diverse interests and backgrounds of the attending students.
While the event aimed at motivational engagement, it also highlighted the societal challenge of fostering literacy and completion of educational curricula. The concern about distractions inhibiting young people from immersing themselves in reading merits urgent attention from communities and organizations alike.
Hamzat and Bandele’s speeches collectively aim to galvanize the younger generation toward cultivating rich reading practices, believing it is not merely about enjoying stories but equipping them with lifelong skills necessary for success. The message is clear: fostering a reading culture today prepares students for the tests of tomorrow.
The urgency behind these initiatives reflects the importance of nurturing intellectual curiosity and equipping students with the tools they need to thrive. Encouraging students to adopt reading as part of their daily routines could have far-reaching benefits not just for their education but for society as well. Sessions like these serve as reminders of the continued relevance and necessity of reading, particularly as technology frequently competes for young people's attention.
