The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Rivers State Branch, on Friday, September 19, 2025, held its ANA/Yusuf Ali Reading Campaign at Royal Steps International School, Mgbuoba, Port Harcourt.
The event, designed to promote reading culture among young people, brought together literary enthusiasts, writers, teachers, and students from ten schools across the state.
Highlights of the programme included poetry and drama presentations as well as an inter-school reading competition. At the end of the contest, Goodnews Ukor of Royal Steps International School emerged winner, while Christinme Izuchukwu of Community Secondary School, Rumuolumeni, came second.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Nteiro Elijah, a lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, encouraged students to cultivate a voracious reading habit, stressing that such engagements would boost their confidence and prepare them for future challenges, including public speaking.
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In her remarks, ANA Rivers State Chairperson, Madam Joy Esuku, underscored the importance of early reading in broadening intellectual capacity and fostering unity among young learners. She expressed gratitude to the sponsor, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), for his unwavering commitment to promoting literacy and improving reading culture nationwide.
Notable dignitaries at the event included Prof. O.J. Odia, Prof. Priye Iyalla-Amadi, Dr. Iyare Odia, and other distinguished members of ANA, Rivers State Branch.
The programme ended on an inspiring note, with students and guests motivated to deepen their love for literature. Certificates, books, and writing materials were distributed to participating students and teachers.
