‘Healthy reading habit crucial to Africa’s development’

Early exposure of African children to reading holds the key to the continent overcoming its developmental challenges, so says the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Limitless Mind Africa, Mrs. Clementine Vervelde.

Speaking at the 2016 “Beyond the School” initiative, organised by the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Vervelde who is also the project champion, said the time is long overdue for Nigeria and other black nations to change the widely believed notion that the black man has zero interest in reading.
 
The CEO who said the brain structure of every individual is the same added that: “The only difference is on the level of engagement, coupled with the fact that Africans do not believe in themselves.

But western children believe they have all it takes to impact and change the world around them. Africans don’t bother to read, that should change. When you read, you are improving your English, social knowledge and exposure to the society. I am a witness that reading can transform life as I learnt a lot from reading.”
 
She told the pupils to work towards discovering and nurturing their abilities, talents and skills, as this will help them in choosing and developing their career. “As an experienced mother and a career woman, we need to keep Africans on their toes to have hands-on in their continent.”
 
Earlier, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, said the initiative was introduced to complement other initiatives of the company targeted at improving the education sector.
 
The guest speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Black House Media, Ayeni Adekunle, advised the students endeavour to develop their passion and skills, while acquiring knowledge as it would help them in the long run.

Wealth Adviser, Stanbic IBTC, (the Fund Managers of the programme), Abisoye Ajia, charged the students to additionally develop the culture of saving and investing.