LRF Proposes Strategy to Revive Reading Culture at NBRP Event

LRF Proposes Strategy to Revive Reading Culture at the NBRP’s 5th Anniversary

The Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) participated in discussions on reviving reading culture in Nigeria during a ceremony marking the 5th anniversary of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NRBP) on February 22, 2025. The event, which took place virtually on Zoom, focused on the theme “Resolving the Reading Culture Challenge: The Low-Hanging Fruits.”

Mr. Babatunde Oladele, the Founder of the Literary Renaissance Foundation, was one of the key speakers at the event. In his address, he emphasised the urgent need to tackle the reading culture crisis from foundational levels— home, school, and workplace. According to him, reading habits should be nurtured early, with parents serving as reading role models for their children. He urged organisations and institutions to integrate reading sessions into their daily schedules, citing his own foundation’s practice of designating time for staff to read and discuss books during work hours.

“Reading Culture is a global problem and we don’t have enough digital facilities in Nigeria. There are books everywhere, including online, yet the problem of reading culture has remained persistent. We should try a different strategy by encouraging reading through the primary agents of education — that is, the home, school, and office.” Oladele stated.

Other notable personalities at the event included Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Nkechi Christopher from the Literary Association Promotion, Dr. Nkem Ekene Osuigwe, Mr. Richard Mammah, President of NBRP and Pastor Dominic Omokaro, President of the Nigerian Library Association.

Pastor Omokaro, in his speech, underscored the need for reading promoters to engage public figures as reading ambassadors and leverage digital technology and media platforms to promote reading. Dr. Ekene highlighted the importance of one’s mother tongue in the literary industry. She added, “Teach me in English, I will understand. But teach me in my mother tongue and it will go straight to my heart.”

During the question-and-answer session, a participant raised concerns about the affordability of books in Nigeria. Oladele addressed the issue, advocating for government intervention in subsidising book production to make literature more accessible to the public. “Books are social materials, and the government has a responsibility to ensure their availability and affordability,” he remarked.

The anniversary celebration concluded with Mr. Richard Mammah’s closing remarks, which reinforced the importance of continued efforts to promote literacy and reading culture across Nigeria.

Through its participation in the NBRP anniversary, the Literary Renaissance Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a robust reading culture in Nigeria. It focuses on practical strategies that engage families, educational institutions, and workplaces in the mission to make reading a national priority.

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