Anambra State Government says it has concluded plans to upgrade the state’s Library to international standard to encourage reading culture among students.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State said this during this year’s Readership Promotion Campaign of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) at the Prof. Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library, Awka.
The state’s Ministry of Information said in its daily news bulletin on Thursday in Awka that the upgrading would be achieved before the end of the second term of Obiano.
The bulletin produced by Mr Tony Nezianya, Media Aide to Obiano, quoted the governor to have stressed the importance of reading culture among Nigerians.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Don Adinuba, added that education was one of the priorities of his administration.
“We will soon upgrade the state library to make it more conducive for users and I enjoin all Anambra students to read extensively to develop their skills,’’ Obiano said.
In an address of welcome, the Acting Director, Anambra State Library Services, Miss Nkechi Udeze, commended the efforts of government in making library an essential part its development agenda.
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The Chairman NLN, Prof. Lenrie OLatokumbo Aina, represented by Mrs Chinyere Onuoha, said that the objective of the campaign was to encourage reading among Nigerians.
“This campaign is to promote awareness on the importance of reading among Nigerians of all states, school children, adults and professionals alike.
“We want to promote availability of good reading materials in our libraries as well as identify major challenges that inhibit reading and proffer solutions,’’ Prof Aina said.
The Acting Head of National Library, Enugu, Mrs Rachael Neboh, described reading as a lifelong business.
The Chief Librarian at the College of Education, Technical, Umunze, Anambra, Dr Adolphus Ugwuanyi, said, “reading makes a man and broadens one’s horizon.’’
The event had the theme, “Reviving Moribund Culture of Reading in Nigeria for Sustainable National Development’’.
The event also featured spelling and reading competitions from different schools.
Some of the schools are Gran Hermano Academy, Awka, Blossom Fount College, Awka, Community Secondary School, Isuaniocha and Community Secondary School, Umueze, all the schools are in the state. (NAN)