Rotary Pushes For Revival Of Reading Culture In Schools

By ANITA KNIGHT

THE Rotary Club of New Haven, Enugu, has called on governments to integrate structured reading programmes into school curricula to revive Nigeria’s declining reading culture.

Speaking at its Basic Education and Literacy Project themed “Bring Back the Reading Culture” in Enugu, Rotary Club president Adaeze Nwokolo stressed the importance of reading physical books for better concentration, warning that online reading often comes with distractions.

Partnering with Odera Ugo Foundation, Nigerian Women in Information Technology, and the National Library, the club donated textbooks, exercise books, and learning materials to participating schools and the library.

Nwokolo said the initiative aligns with Rotary International’s focus on literacy and education, noting that reading strengthens mental alertness, personal development, and peacebuilding.

Head of the National Library, Enugu Branch, Onyekachi Essien, commended the effort, stressing that book availability is key to encouraging pupils to read. She urged Nigerians to embrace reading, citing its benefits for vocabulary, creativity, and even sleep.

Students also expressed gratitude, with Kamsi Nnaji describing the donated books as valuable support for their studies.