Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the diminishing reading culture among young Nigerians, warning that it could pose a threat to the country’s rich literary legacy.
Speaking at the monthly ‘Reading/Writers Dialogue’ organized by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), FCT chapter, in Abuja on Saturday, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of reading in shaping informed and competent individuals.
As the guest writer for the February edition of the dialogue, themed The Writers’ Role in Nation-Building and Africa’s First Presidential Library, the former president stressed the need to groom young writers who could continue Nigeria’s tradition of literary excellence.
Obasanjo noted that despite the easy access to information provided by the internet, many young people today lack a deep reading habit, which he described as crucial for intellectual and leadership development.
“If we want to nurture writers, we must first cultivate readers. One of the major challenges today is ensuring that our children develop a habit of serious reading, especially in this digital era,” he said.
He further warned that if this trend continues unchecked, it could negatively impact the country’s literary achievements and lead to the emergence of uninformed leaders.
“A leader does not necessarily have to be a writer, but every leader must be a reader. Without reading, one cannot be well-informed or make sound decisions,” he added.
The former president also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian writers, particularly literary icon Chinua Achebe, whose works showcased Nigeria’s culture and heritage to the world.
Obasanjo commended ANA’s efforts in promoting reading and writing among young Nigerians and took the opportunity to discuss some of his published works, including My Command, This Animal Called Man, Not My Will, A New Dawn, Democracy Works, and Making Africa Work.
Meanwhile, human rights activist and author Shehu Sani, who spoke on the sidelines of the event, praised Nigerian writers for using literature as a tool for societal change. However, he expressed concern over the declining reading habits among young people, attributing it to the distractions of modern technology.
“The internet provides vast knowledge, but it has also made people less inclined to engage in deep reading and research,” Sani noted.
ANA Abuja chairman, Chukwudi Eze, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to nurturing young scholars through mentorship programs aimed at fostering a love for reading and writing.
(Prompt news)