The Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance has urged pupils in the Federal Capital Territory to cultivate regular reading habits, saying literacy remains a powerful pathway to self-confidence, academic transformation and future leadership.

The club made the call at an International Literacy Day programme held at the Kids Playground of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, to mark the annual event celebrated on September 8.

The programme brought together more than 120 pupils from 15 primary schools across the country’s capital, alongside parents and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Charter President of the club, Rotarian Patience Ofik, said literacy went beyond the ability to read and write, stressing that reading could shape children’s intellectual and emotional development.

Ofik also emphasised the importance of making reading a consistent part of children’s daily routines at home, saying such habits could build literacy skills, reading confidence and stronger connections with books.

She said, “Reading plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of students, offering them not just academic knowledge but also an avenue for personal growth. At the Rotary Club, we believe that cultivating a habit of reading in young minds is essential for their intellectual and emotional development.”

Also speaking, the District Governor-elect of Rotary International District 9127, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, challenged the children to make positive contributions wherever they found themselves.

Ekechukwu, who spoke on the theme, “Read Today, Lead Tomorrow,” encouraged the pupils to ensure that they always added value through their actions and choices.

The General Manager of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Martin Zarybnicky, urged the children to embrace reading as a way of life, assuring them that persistence and good reading habits would help them realise their dreams.

Similarly, the Branch Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, Transcorp Hilton, Deborah Amapakabo, reiterated the bank’s commitment to promoting literacy and advancing knowledge among young people.

Amapakabo encouraged the pupils to begin laying the foundation for a brighter future by developing good reading habits from an early age.

The event also showcased young authors, with 12-year-old Ashezi Akwashiki, 10-year-old Ziora Adighibe and eight-year-old Akum Adighibe reading excerpts from their books to the participating pupils.

One of the project partners, The Kids Nook Library, also sensitised the children on the importance of developing a healthy reading culture and keeping their minds productively engaged.

The programme featured reading workshops, storytelling sessions and question-and-answer segments, while school bags were distributed to all participating students.

The schools represented included Care and Cuddle Schools, STEM Cuddle International School, Mienebi International School, Olumawu School, Betharbel Free Inclusive Academy, LEA Primary Schools in Katampe, Saburi and Mabushi, The Berkeley International School, Barvij International School and The Posh Oak Academy.

The Club said the initiative was aimed at strengthening children’s reading culture while demonstrating how simple, consistent reading practices at home and in school can help shape confident learners and future leaders.