The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Rivers State Chapter, has called on both federal and state governments to partner with the association to promote a stronger reading culture among young people in the state and across Nigeria.
The appeal was made during the 2026 ANA/Yusuf Ali Reading Campaign held in Port Harcourt. The annual event, organised by ANA Rivers, is aimed at encouraging literacy and improving reading habits among children and students.
Speaking at the event, the State Chairperson of ANA, Joy Esuku, urged government authorities to extend greater support to the association, noting that writers play a critical role in education by producing the books used in schools.
She expressed concern over what she described as inadequate support for the association despite its longstanding contributions to literacy development.
According to her, the reading campaign sponsored by Yusuf Ali (SAN) for over 15 years has significantly contributed to improving reading culture among young people.
“It is an annual event organised to encourage students to read. Over the years, we have engaged primary and secondary school students through activities such as quizzes, essay writing, drama, and reading competitions,” she said.
Esuku added that ANA has sustained literacy advocacy for over three decades through initiatives such as World Poetry Day and World Book Day celebrations, helping to instill reading habits in younger generations.
She, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians and government institutions to support the association’s programmes to enable wider outreach to schools and students.
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Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Director of the National Library of Nigeria, Port Harcourt/South-South Zone, Kingsley Egbulonu, emphasised the importance of reading in personal and academic development.
He noted that reading initiatives by stakeholders, including the National Library, are gradually improving literacy levels in the country through regular competitions and outreach programmes.
Egbulonu encouraged students to embrace reading as a lifelong habit, describing it as essential for academic success and personal growth.
“Reading expands knowledge and enhances performance in examinations. It is key to success, and we must continue to promote it at all levels,” he said.
Some of the student participants expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the programme as educative and impactful.
They noted that the activities, including reading sessions and quizzes, had inspired them to improve their reading habits and broaden their knowledge.
Highlights of the event include poetry presentations, reading competitions, quizzes, drama performances, songs, and book donations. Community Secondary School, Borikiri, emerged as the overall winner, while Royal Steps International School came second.
Guests and authors who graced the event includ former Chairman of ANA Rivers State, Uzo Nwamara; immediate past Chairman and Fellow of ANA, Chief Adi Wali; Prof. Priye Iyalla-Amadi; Dr. Rita Inoma-Abbey; Churchill Nmekini; Tengafinibigha Ogolo; Tigiri Precious; Dr. Angela Oju-Kienmie; Tina Amanda, John Kingsley (JK); and Jonah Okpabi.
The ANA/Yusuf Ali Reading Campaign remains one of the association’s flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening literacy and fostering a culture of reading among Nigerian youths.
