RAN marks International Literacy Day, urges Nigerians to promote educational development
The Reading Association of Nigeria (RAN) commemorated International Literacy day last week with the President of the association, Mrs. Irene Chinwe Mbafeno calling on all members of the society to support and promote literacy in the nation.
She made this call during a media chat with members of the press to mark the day as well the conclusion of Pan African Literacy for All Conference (PALFA), which took place at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja.
Mrs. Mbafeno also went ahead to read a speech by the Director General of UNESCO, Irina Boklova which highlighted the need for new and higher level literacy skills due to the digital technologies in all spheres of life.
She further spoke on the importance of encouraging literacy in Nigeria saying that, “the celebration of International Literacy Day in Nigeria, a week after hosting PALFA is very symbolic. It shows the passion and attention the Nigerian people pay to issues of literacy and educational development. This day aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, societies and governments.”
The President then concluded the meeting by thanking all those who contributed to the success of the recently concluded PALFA conference hosted by the Reading Association of Nigeria in collaboration with the International Development Committee Africa (IDC-A), International Literacy Organization (ILA), World Bank, Nigerian Northern Education Initiative (NEI), the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information. She also thanked all the guests and participants who attended.