TO help improve the declining reading culture among Nigerian students, Western Union Foundation, recently took its reading campaign to select schools in Lagos State through the donation of modern-day libraries worth millions of naira.

The foundation in collaboration with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Skye Bank, First Bank, Ecobank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Diamond Bank, refurbished and re-equipped dilapidated library facilities at the Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School, Bariga, and Community Senior High School, Ketu.

The project, which cost $98,500, was facilitated by a non-governmental organisation, Gabasawa Women and Children Initiative. It was targeted at reawakening the passion for books among students of benefitting schools.

Vice President, Africa, Western Union, Aida Diarra, remarked that the yearly project, which was part of the “Read to Succeed Project,” would provide students with the requisite knowledge needed to excel in their academic endeavours.

He said, “At Western Union, we believe that education, access to financial services and economic opportunities go hand-in-hand to advocate for a world where economic opportunity is within reach for everyone.”

President of Western Union Foundation, Patrick Gaston, noted that lack of adequate knowledge among Nigerian students was responsible for their poor performances in both internal and external examinations, adding that with effective use of the library facilities, the student will be well informed.

“Project Read to Succeed’ is in line with the Western Union’s “Education for Better” programme, which supports access to the kind of education that provides resources and tools needed for better livelihood,” he said.  

On her part, the Executive Director of Gabasawa Women and Children Initiative, Mrs. Doris Yaro, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the facilities, invest their time wisely and regain their pride as the future leaders of the society.”

“Education is all about reading, understanding and development, and as such, reading opportunity has been strengthened through this project.

We are not just here to launch a project but to set a pace and a footprint in achieving future expectancy for our children. Western Union in partnership with our foundation has opened the doors. The students, today, have the opportunity to read and succeed,” Yaro stated.