The National Library of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at reviving the country’s declining reading culture. This came during a courtesy visit by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters (NBRP), FCT Chapter, to the National Librarian, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, at the Library’s Abuja headquarters, on Wednesday, September 17.
Led by Chief Loye Olowookere, Chairman of NBRP FCT, the delegation expressed gratitude to the National Librarian for her consistent advocacy and partnership. Olowookere appealed for both moral and financial support, citing the lean resources of the network as it prepares for its forthcoming event to be chaired by renowned public intellectual, Professor Udenta Udenta.
In her remarks, Prof. Anunobi commended NBRP for its sustained advocacy, describing its work as complementary to government efforts. She, however, lamented the decline in reading habits among Nigerians, warning that the rise of Artificial Intelligence could further worsen the trend unless deliberate measures are taken.
“The future of our next generation is at stake if we fail to restore a culture of reading,” she stressed, urging writers and publishers to do more to inspire readers. While acknowledging current funding challenges facing the National Library, she assured NBRP of the institution’s full moral and institutional backing.
One highlight of the meeting came when Mr. Jerry Adesewo of NBRP Abuja proposed reviving a past framework that once positioned reading as a national duty- the National Read Campaign Project, which he reported was at the forefront of promoting readinf nationally at the time.
Prof. Anunobi welcomed the suggestion, describing it as “a brilliant idea,” and asked for supporting documents to be provided so she could pursue the matter through appropriate channels.
As part of the visit, NBRP member Ms. Ayotola Ilori presented her new book, Louder Than Silence: An Inclusive Anti-Bullying Book, which the National Librarian hailed as a timely contribution to inclusive education and safer school environments.
The meeting ended with both parties pledging to strengthen their partnership, support upcoming NBRP programmes, and explore ways of reviving a national reading culture initiative.
