THE importance of reading and literature in national development has been underscored as a clear cut direction for Nigerian youths
The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa reemphasized this obvious assertion while playing host to an author and lecturer at the University of Abuja, Dr. Lois Adams, at his office in Government House, Benin City.
“Encouraging a healthy reading culture is part of the broader vision we are pioneering for the strategic transformation of our civil and public service. Books help shape thought, character and identity and as a Government, we are proud to support authors who use their work to promote knowledge and values”, he said.
The HOS highlighted Dr. Adams’ contributions to the recently concluded training of civil and public servants on creative writing and strategic communication facilitated by the Edo State Government through the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), describing her role as instrumental in enhancing communication competencies within the Service.
“Your involvement as one of the resource persons and manual designer truly added great value and I know your books will reflect the same depth. As a Government, we will continue to support initiatives that align with our vision to build capacity across all sectors, especially in the public service”. He added.
Anthony assured of the State Government’s interest in collaborating with writers and educators to enrich school curricula and encourage lifelong reading habits among students.
“Through the Ministry of Education, we will continue to look at ways to strengthen reading initiatives and integrate homegrown content into our schools”. He added.
Dr. Adams expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for the opportunity to be part of its vision in developing the human capital resources in the civil and public service. She presented some of her published works, including, “Stigma”, “Udukh”,“The Surrogate Daughter and Five Flying Flags”, with an appeal to the state government to adopt her books in schools across the State, noting that one of them had already been approved at the National level.
“I am deeply honoured to have contributed to the JOOPSA training. It is not just about speaking and writing, it is about communicating effectively to inspire transformation across the State. These books speak to the realities of sexual abuses, life cycles, youthful exuberance, mentorship, amongst others. With your support, we can make them accessible to young readers across Edo State and promote literature that reflects who we are”. She stated.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of books to the HOS, symbolising a shared vision for collaboration between the State Government and creative minds working to enrich the intellectual life of Edo people.
