Youths Turn to E-Books, Audiobooks For Easy, Affordable Reading
By OBI DAVIES
MORE Nigerian youths are embracing e-books and audiobooks as digital platforms make reading more accessible, affordable, and convenient.
Interviews in Lagos showed young readers stating that digital formats help them balance learning with busy schedules.
Adekanyisola Adelana, a 28-year-old fashion designer, said audiobooks fit easily into her routine. “You can’t be in Lagos traffic holding a book, but you can listen and reflect,” she said.
Oluwaseun Olorunda, a University of Lagos student, added that audiobooks have rekindled interest in reading among her peers, while Ebun Rafiu, 18, noted that digital books are cheaper and easier to access than hard copies.
For Kelvin Philip, a graphics designer, digital reading eliminates the stress of carrying books. “All I need is my phone to start reading,” he said.
Popular apps like Audible, Wattpad, Scribd, and Google Books have helped sustain reading habits among young Nigerians, though challenges persist — including high data costs, poor internet, and distractions from social media.
Olusola Akintoye, a student, urged digital platforms to introduce free or low-cost plans and offline access to encourage more readers. “Affordable options and fewer paywalls will help more youths read consistently,” he said.
