Rotary Urges Govts To Promote Reading Culture

The Rotary Club, New Haven, Enugu, has urged governments to integrate reading into school curricula to promote a strong reading culture among students.

The club decried the dwindling reading habit among students, urging them to embrace reading for improved mental alertness and personal development.

Ms Adaeze Nwokolo, president of the club, stated this during its Basic Education and Literacy Project themed “Bring Back the Reading Culture” on Tuesday in Enugu.

The event was organised in partnership with Rotary Club of City Center, Rotary Club of City Layout, Rotaract Club of Newhaven, Odera Ugo Foundation, Nigerian Women in Information Technology, Enugu State, and the National Library.

Participating schools included Hillview Primary School, Royal Orchard School, The Lord Shepherd School, and Lady Ibiam Girls’ Secondary School, all based in Enugu.

Nwokolo stressed the importance of reading physical textbooks, explaining that including reading in school curricula would help students to learn better and focus more effectively.

She noted that online reading often comes with distractions, as constant messages and notifications interrupt concentration, unlike the experience with physical books.

“Reading hard copies removes those distractions. We must reintroduce reading into our curriculum and encourage use of physical books,” she said.

She added that the club donated textbooks, exercise books, and other materials to both students and the library to support the initiative.

Nwokolo explained that literacy and basic education were Rotary’s focus for the month, aligning with the 2025 International Literacy Day celebration.

She said the library was the best place to revive reading culture, adding that the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Enugu, was a key partner.

She also revealed that, beyond reading, students received mentorship on career choices and the importance of promoting peace within society.

The Head of NLN, Enugu Branch, Mrs Onyekachi Essien, thanked Rotary for the partnership, noting the library’s continuous campaigns to sensitise the public on reading.

Essien said the donated books would encourage pupils to read more, stressing that availability of books was crucial to reviving the culture of reading.

“I am happy the club donated books. Many children now have books of their own, which will inspire them to read more,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of reading, warning that “when you stop reading, your brain cells begin to die.”

Essien explained that reading improves vocabulary, widens horizons, and even helps with insomnia. “Reading for just ten minutes can help you fall asleep,” she said.

A student, Kamsi Nnaji, thanked Rotary for the gift of books, noting they would greatly support his studies and learning experience.