Delta Officials, Writers Rally For Reading Culture At Asaba World Book Day Event
Celebrating Books and Literacy in Delta State
THE inaugural World Book Day Festival 2026 held in Asaba has drawn commendation from the Head of Service of Delta State, Mininim Oseji, who described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening literacy and encouraging a culture of reading among residents.
The event, organised by literary advocate Ejiro Umukoro, brought together public officials, educators, writers and students in a celebration of books, creative expression and intellectual development.
Represented at the gathering by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Wilson Chukwuka, Oseji praised the organisers for creating a platform that promotes learning and inspires individuals—particularly young people—to engage with literature.
She noted that reading remains one of the most effective tools for personal growth, knowledge acquisition and critical thinking.
“Literature has the power to challenge ideas, inspire imagination and encourage people to think beyond their immediate environment,” she said, urging participants to cultivate a lifelong reading habit.
Literature as a Tool for Social Awareness
Beyond celebrating books, speakers at the festival also highlighted the social role of literature in addressing pressing issues within society.
Delivering a goodwill message, Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Smart Edoge, commended Umukoro for using the festival as a platform to spotlight themes such as mental health and social stigma.
Edoge referenced the newly launched book Distortion, noting that its exploration of mental health challenges and the impact of stigmatization is particularly relevant in contemporary society.
He explained that literature can help raise awareness about sensitive topics while encouraging empathy and understanding among readers.
“Books remain powerful tools for social reflection and dialogue,” he said.
Call for a Stronger Reading Culture
Several other speakers used the occasion to emphasise the importance of nurturing a vibrant reading culture within Delta State.
Among them were the Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Information, Stella Macaulay; President of the Asaba Literacy and Reading Club, Gabriel Okonji; Omena Egedi; Theresa Allanah; and Uche Egbuche.
They collectively urged parents, schools and community leaders to encourage reading among young people as a means of promoting intellectual independence and informed decision-making.
According to them, the decline in reading habits—often attributed to the rise of digital distractions—can be reversed through sustained community efforts such as book clubs, literary festivals and public library programmes.
“Reading broadens perspectives and equips individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed choices,” one speaker noted.
Advocacy for Libraries and Literary Platforms
In her keynote address, Umukoro expressed gratitude to the Head of Service and other government officials for supporting the festival.
She described the event as the beginning of a broader campaign aimed at revitalising reading culture in Delta State.
According to her, improving access to books and strengthening literary communities are essential steps toward achieving that goal.
Umukoro advocated the establishment of more functional public libraries across the state and called for greater investment in literary initiatives that can nurture young writers and readers.
She also encouraged the creation of additional book clubs, noting that such platforms provide opportunities for intellectual exchange and community engagement.
Poetry and Youth Participation
The festival also featured performances by young students, reflecting its emphasis on encouraging youth involvement in literary expression.
Two spoken-word poetry presentations captivated the audience: one by Success Unumeri of Patricia Group of Schools and another by Prosper Onajite of Westend Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.
Their performances added a creative dimension to the event while demonstrating the growing interest among young people in literary arts.
Launch of Distortion
A highlight of the festival was the official launch of the book Distortion, which served as the centrepiece of the day’s literary discussions.
Participants described the book as an important contribution to conversations around mental health awareness and the social consequences of stigma.
The launch underscored the festival’s broader objective of using literature as a tool not only for entertainment but also for education and social reflection.
Building a Literary Future
Observers noted that the World Book Day Festival represents a promising step toward strengthening literary engagement in Delta State.
By bringing together government officials, educators, writers and students, the event demonstrated how collaborative efforts can help nurture a stronger reading culture.
For organisers and participants alike, the hope is that the inaugural festival will evolve into an annual tradition—one that continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers.
