Get Guardian on GoogleBukies Book Club has carried out a reading outreach at a public primary school, distributing storybooks and writing materials to pupils while drawing attention to the lack of functional libraries in many Nigerian schools.
During the event, the school compound came alive as children received books and writing materials from the club. Members read stories aloud, encouraged pupils to share their thoughts, and urged them to use their imagination.
Founder of the club, Olubukola Agbalajobi-Odetayo, said the initiative was designed to help children discover the joy of reading. “Every book is a key to something magical,” she told the pupils.
The club, however, observed that the host school had no functional library, making it difficult to sustain a reading culture. According to the group, the absence of dedicated spaces for books is a major obstacle in building literacy skills among young learners.
Agbalajobi-Odetayo explained that while individual book donations can create an impact, wider support from government and communities is crucial. “Small efforts can inspire change, but lasting impact requires broader support. We call on government agencies, educational leaders, and community stakeholders to invest in equipping public primary schools with libraries and learning materials,” she said.
Bukies Book Club noted that reading is not just a pastime but a foundation for lifelong learning. Access to books, it said, enables children to dream bigger, think clearly, and express themselves more confidently.
