‘Readers 100 Project’ takes off to boost reading
The ‘Readers 100 Project’, a new initiative spearheaded by B&B Publishers and the Abuja Literary Society has been unveiled with the aim of boosting the reading culture in the country.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, The Executive Director of the project Mr. Oluwafemi Adedipe said he was inspired to launch it to checkmate the decline in the reading culture and enhance the future of Nigerians, and the country as a whole.
“We believe there is a great need to promote reading as an alternative to consumerist entertainment,” he said.
He explained that the project will work with libraries, educational institutions, government, public and private organisations to promote the reading culture.
“We may not be able to reach everyone but it will make a world of difference to those we are able to reach,” he said.
Also speaking, Sir. VictorAnoliefo said the initiative has become necessary following advances in technology, social media and other developments that have posed as a distraction to the reading culture, saying these things can be harnessed to boost reading.
“I don’t agree the internet and other technological advances are injurious to the reading culture, rather I see them as avenues through which the reading culture can receive a boost. Now it is possible to carry thousands of digital books in a small device so I see that as an advantage,” he said.
He also said that they have made concerted efforts and made arrangement in place to ensure the project is sustainable and is not hampered by funding. He said they are reaching out to patners and interested parties to ensure the success of the project.
In a goodwill message by the Secretary General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Mrs Magdalene Anene Maidoh said the project is significant because “there is a growing concern these days that the reading culture among Nigerians, particularly the youths and students has waned significantly.”
In her message read by Florence Oguah, a Sector Sectary in the same commission, Mrs Maidoh added that: “Reading is a universal phenomenon and tradition, as there is practically no vocation in the world that does not require reading.”
Part of the project will see the launch of a book featuring some 100 inspiring Nigerians writing about the joys of reading. This book will be given out to students and youths with the aim of encourage them to improve their reading habits in order to succeed.