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NBRP, partners inaugurate 22 new book clubs
By Ada Anioji
The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria, NBRP, has in concert with the National Library of Nigeria and the Nigerian Library Association, inaugurated 22 new book clubs in the country, The Difference reports.
The inauguration activity, which took place on the sidelines of the just concluded 61st National Conference and AGM of the Nigerian Library Association that was held in Akure, the Ondo State capital from July 2-7, was carried out as part of the 774 Book Clubs and Libraries Initiative that the three reading promotions bodies are collaborating to achieve.
At the National Library of Nigeria, Akure branch venue of the inauguration, the National Librarian and CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Victoria Anunobi presented books to NBRP in support of the outreach in Akure and personally commissioned the Sunshine Book Club of the National Library of Nigeria, Akure Branch.
Some of the school book clubs inducted at the event were those of St. Mick’s Catholic School, Army Comprehensive High School Akure, St. Dominics High School, Akure, C. A. C. Grammar School, Akure, Aponmu Comprehensive High School, Akponmu Akure, Baptist High School, Akure, St. Thomas Anglican High School Akure and African Church Comprehensive High School, Akure.
Others were book clubs that had been put together by Adu Memorial High School Akure, St. Louis Girls Grammar School Akure, Ijapo High School Akure, Aquinas College, Akure, Peace Avenue Secondary School Akure, Ijigba Community Grammar School Akure, Meghan and Shield College, Estate High School Akure, Akure High School, Akure, Girls Grammar School Akure, Seaba Model Christian College, Akure and Smiling Heroes Model School.
At the opening ceremony of the conference on Tuesday, 4th July, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, Secretary to the Ondo State Government served as Chairman while the Acting Governor represented his boss, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN as Special Guest of Honour.
Another NBRP-affiliated book club, My Reading Time Book Club, Akure, presented a recitation and drama to portray the importance of reading at the session while the NBRP President’s goodwill message to the conference was presented on his behalf by the organisation’s Vice President and delegation head, Prof. Felicia Edu-uwem Etim.
The keynote address on the theme Promoting Library Collaboration in a Changing World was delivered by Prof. Adeniran A. Adetoro of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, while the royal father of the day, The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyimbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun declared the accompanying exhibition open.
In addition, a scheduled NBRP symposium on the theme ‘Reading for Improved Performance and Leisure’ took place on Wednesday, July 5 and was co- chaired by the National Librarian and CEO, National Library of Nigeria, Prof Chinwe Veronica Anunobi and the National President of NLA, Pastor Dominic Omokaro.
The discussants at the symposium were Hon Justice Bolatito Ajibade – High Court of Justice, Akure; Dr T. M. Olaleye – Ondo State Teaching Service Commission; Prince Peter K. Bamigbade – Foundation for Family Positive Orientation and Dr Adejumoke S. Ajibola – National Library of Nigeria.
Some of the resolutions from the session were:
- To build the nation, reading must be the foundation.
- Future leaders must make reading a way of life.
- Reading competitions should be organised to motivate youths to read.
- Pleasure reading must be advocated to reduce stress and avert ill-health.
- Parents and teachers should show good example by reading together with their children and
students at designated reading periods and time.
- Every literate Nigerian should read from cradle to the grave.
- There was an advocacy for young writers.
- All librarians were charged to be good ambassadors of reading.
Over 500 NLA conference participants and about 20 secondary school principals participated in the symposium. ‘NBRP at a Glance’ booklets and NBRP customised bags were distributed to the discussants and the Principals of Secondary Schools present who were charged to initiate book clubs in their schools and register with NBRP for further support.
Other members of the organizing team for the programmes of the NBRP and partners at the event were Dr. Adejumoke S. Ajibola, NLN/NBRP Coordinator, Dr. Rose Ezeibe of the University of Uyo, Dr. Abimbola Agboke of the University of Uyo, Mr. Kenneth Irenoa of the Federal University Otuoke and Mr. Inemotimi Flint of the Niger Delta University.
Overall, the event highlighted the fact that there is indeed quite significant advocacy room for reading culture promotions in the country. It was well attended and was a very good platform for NBRP and partners to step up advocacy for the establishment of new libraries and book clubs in the country.
NBRP President, Richard Mammah; National Librarian and CEO, National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi and NBRP VP, Prof. Felicia Etim at the signing of the project MOU in Uyo in November.
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