Stakeholders seek reading culture revival

Some experts in various sectors have urged Nigerians on the need to imbibe better reading culture.

They gave the advice in Lagos on Thursday at the public presentation of the book “This is not a Discoteke” written by the former president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Toki Mabogunje.

The author was described by the professionals as a gifted writer who invested her wealth of knowledge in the book.

The book captured the early stage of the author’s career journey, especially her experiences in the federal civil service.

Speaking at the event tagged “Cora BookTrek Monthly,” where the author read a substantial part of the book and attended to questions from the guests, the Chairman, Cora, Kayode Aderinokun, spoke on the need to improve the reading culture in the country, which he said was in a “coma.”

“As far as reading is concerned, we are an endangered species. The reading culture is in a coma, and it’s the responsibility of all of us to revive it,” he said.

Commending the author and appreciating the guests, the Programme Director, Culture Advocates Caucus, Jahman Anikulapo, urged everyone to show more interest in reading.

“To this end, please be informed that there will be many more book-reading sessions like we had today. I can confirm that there will be at least six more,” Anikulapo said.

An Insurance Consultant and author, Bukola Ifemade, described Mabogunje’s book as a commendable effort.

She said, “The book is very educative and would help to improve our value system. It is indeed a great contribution to our desire for a better Nigeria.”

The National Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria, Dr Annette Akinsete, said there were still good people in the civil service.

Akinsete said, “The author has shown us that there are still good people in the civil service. Today, she has inspired many of us to write, and indeed, we have a lot of stories to tell. I was also in the civil service like her and I was also able to live above board. I won’t ever forget the counsel that Professor Ransome-Kuti gave me then. He said: ‘What you do here is what you make of it. If you join the corruption, okay; that is your choice.’ That greatly helped me and I did a lot to demonstrate integrity. I have those who took after me, and I can say today that there are still good ones in the civil service.”

The president, ICLEAD Business School, Lekki, Lagos, Prof. Olajumoke Familoni, also shared her views on the book and the author. According to her: “It’s a fantastic book! I love the writing style, the way she weaved her experiences with her thoughts and actual events. It’s quite informative and enriching.”

A communications consultant, Wehinmi Atigbi, described the book as “absolutely brilliant and highly authentic. The opening quotes are also commendable. Besides, I like the humour. I think we are too serious in this country and we need the lighter mood more.”

An ophthalmologist,  Dr Dupe Olorunnimbe, noted that Mabogunje had shown that some civil servants were contributing beautifully to the good of the nation.