A Nigerian author, 16-year-old Munachi Mbonu, has charged youths and students to develop the habit of reading to expand their horizons. Mbonu gave the charge, at the weekend, in Lagos,during a revolutionary event titled ‘READvolution.’
The event, with the theme, “Igniting the love of reading among young Nigerians,” had students from different schools in the country in attendance. Mbonu, who lamented that youths have lost their reading culture due to the influence of social media, said: “The youths’ attention is on social media and they are gradually forgetting their root, which is the reading culture. My mission is to bring it back.”
The author said that she decided to inspire young minds and also remind them that the reading culture in Nigeria must not die as they are the future leaders of Nigeria. She, therefore, urged the students to derive joy in reading, writing or any skill and never give up, but to be focused to achieve the best.
Also, an award-winning actress and producer, Joke Silva, who urged the students to continue reading to improve their vocabulary and other aspects in their lives, said: “If students want to improve their vocabulary, they have to read.You don’t have to read a book at a whole, but can start with one page everyday and then increase it to two and then you find yourself reading a book in a couple of hours. It’s a hobby of me, I love to read and I love it when young people read.”
Similarly, founder, author and producer at Simone’s Oasis Foundation,Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, who tasked the students to be creative in whatever field they find themselves, said: “You are the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow. I am relying on you to make sure our voices are heard both in Nigeria and the world. It is you that will make Nigeria proud.
“I want you to embrace the future where every individual is valued. Together, with our collected stories and ideas, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.”
