Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party, (LP) has lamented over the poor reading culture among young people in Nigeria.
He spoke at at an event titled ‘Christmas Magic,’ in Lagos on Friday, stressing the need to improve the reading habit which he says declined due to systemic issues.
Obi, delivered his speech after the unveiling of a new children’s book called “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf” written by renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The event brought together several influential figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, academics like Prof. Hakeem Bello-Osagie, and activists like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Ndidi Nwuneli.
Obi said; “I thank Chimamanda for organising this wonderful event, and for consistently advancing the cause of our society through her literary works.”
The former Anambra governor added; “Reading remains a very important aspect of our educational development, which must be encouraged always.
“Sadly, the reading culture among Nigerian youths has continued to decline due to a poor educational system, an inordinate desire for materialism, a lack of reading materials and functional libraries, and above all, the dying passion for reading among the youth.”
“Readers are leaders, they say. Reading will help the youth to build their critical thinking and analytical ability to succeed in an ever-complex world,” Obi stated, echoing a common refrain at the event.
“As I have always maintained, our New Nigeria will encourage our very gifted youths to discover their talents, fuel their passions, and develop their skills for the progress of our society”.