The National Library of Nigeria has urged the federal and state governments to create more awareness on writing and reading in indigenous languages in schools and communities.
Its National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, made the call at the International Literacy Day Celebration in Lagos on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Literacy Day is celebrated every Sept. 8 to create awareness on the need for literacy.
The 2024 edition had the theme: “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”.
Anunobi said that many students of nowadays could only speak their dialects but found it difficult to write in them.
The national librarian said that literacy was a ladder to all human potential/possibilities and that no country could achieve development without literate minds.
She said: “If you want to have literate minds, first achieve great readers. Your level of literacy is dependent on your extent of reading.
“Advocacy for enhanced literacy is rhetorics except reading is promoted, and advocacy for reading will not yield fruit except libraries are established and equipped.
“The easiest way to evolve children to electronic reading and ensure inclusivity is deployment of electronic devices in libraries,” she said.
Anunobi also urged policymakers to take actions that would engender literacy for lifelong learning and development.
She also encouraged young and old people to make reading a culture.
“Ensuring that everyone in the community can decode and write the generally acceptable code requires conscientious efforts especially where other intervening variables hinder this capacity.
“As a result of that, UNESCO declared on Oct. 26, 1966, that every Sept. 8 be set aside for celebration of International Literacy Day,” she said.
She said the National Library would not rest on its oars in promoting literacy in partnership with willing groups and organisations.
“Today, we are celebrating one of the partnership efforts – the green library space that encourages reading and is promoting SDG goals 4, 13 and 17 – quality education, climate action.
She said that National Library’s 34 branches in 33 states and Abuja provided windows for people to read and access information.
Mrs Ifeoma Esiri, co-Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of ZODMIL, said that the event aimed to encourage children to read and write in their dialects. (NAN)
