The President and Chairman-in-Council, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Chief Uchenna Anioke, has tasked its members to explore new means of enhancing book reading.
Anioke, represented by his Deputy, (East zone), Chief Austin Onwubiko, gave the charge at the 2024 virtual news conference to mark the World Book Day on Tuesday.
According to him, as publishers, the onus is on us to move away from the old means of reading and adapt to new means.
“We are like the chef of the society. It is our responsibility to go to that kitchen of creativity, consider the various interests of our clients (the society) produce meals that will make the table attractive.
“A table that will have something for everyone, both the young and old. And in doing this, we will be saving our society from impending intellectual kwashiorkor as reading culture continues to rapidly nosedive,”Anioke said.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Reading your Way”, the president said that reading would enhance personal and intellectual development.
“Reading helps us expand our knowledge, improve language skills, and enhance critical thinking abilities, broadens our perspectives, and allows us to explore new ideas and concepts,” he said.
The NPA president stated further that reading also served as a source of entertainment and relaxation, which reduces people’s stress.
He said: “immersing oneself in an exciting or thought-provoking narrative can be a fantastic way to escape from the chaos of everyday life, especially in a country like Nigeria.
“For children, reading promotes cognitive development and contributes to academic success through to adulthood.
“This can only be achieved if there is something to read and as publishers, this is a challenge to us.
“Reading also exposes children to a future of brightness, success and outstanding career breakthroughs.
“In giving them the choice to read, we are grooming our children to become better equipped to lead the way in business, politics, entertainment, technology and what have you, in years to come,”Anioke said.
According to him, the association firmly believes in inclusion, and it is using this opportunity to call for lasting approaches that would bring Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), especially the visually impaired into the literacy dragnet.
“Relevant stakeholders, especially the Federal Ministry of Education should lead the charge in presenting opportunities that will enable this critical component of our society the opportunity to read their way.
“The growing popularity of inclusive publishing and electronic braille across the world is a wake-up call for our dear country to join the moving train without any hesitation,”Anioke said.
Earlier, some stakeholders commended the association and urged it to continue its fight to promote reading culture in Nigeria.
Among the stakeholders were Mr Richard Mammah, President, Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters of Nigeria; Head, National Library, Oyo State Branch, Mrs. Oluyemisi Odubayo; and President, Committee of Relevant Arts (CORA), Mr. Jaman Anikulapo.
