World Book and Copyright Day is a yearly event celebrated on April 23rd and organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is aimed at encouraging everyone and in particular, the young ones, to discover the pleasure of reading books.
A book is a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations which cuts across cultures. It is a force for creating and sharing wisdom and knowledge. Books create the door way to mutual respect and understanding between people across all boundaries and differences.
The idea for celebrating this day originated in Catalonia where 23rd April was St George’s Day. A rose was traditionally given as a gift for each book sold. It is also symbolic for World literature for on this date in the year 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Ca Garcilaso de larega, all died.
Today’s observance gives us an opportunity of re-emphasizing the importance of imbibing the reading culture. Reading is an activity which is done over a period of time in order to acquire knowledge, skills and positive attitude. It is a fundamental building block of learning and enhancement of the general development of man and his society.
No nation can develop without its people developing the right reading culture. Besides, reading makes a man and it helps to develop the mind to be informed, thoughtful and constructive, with better understanding of issues, events and situations. It has the capacity of boosting one’s self confidence and depth in perception and discernment. That is why it is often said that if you teach a child to read, you have made him a king.
Personally, I find reading very calming. It is a habit that not only improves your diction and expand your vocabulary, it also has the power to transport you to places you may never physically visit and have experiences you may never have the opportunity to encounter first hand. Reading allows you to understand and accept other people better and especially for children, it is a good way to discipline them by keeping them still for a while.
Unfortunately, the reading culture is declining everyday in Nigeria, especially among the younger generation who are of course, our future leaders. This has continued to have an adverse effect on the nation’s literacy rate which is currently at 48%. It must be realized that no nation can develop without its people developing the right reading culture. And for Nigeria to realize its quest for sustainable development, emphasis must be placed on developing the reading culture in the people.
It is so sad seeing our students and youth daily losing interest in reading and spending more time watching home videos, partying and surfing the internet to the detriment of reading good, enlightening and educational books whilst most of the older ones amongst us are constantly occupied with the quest for material acquisitions which has eroded the desire to search for knowledge. At this point, I must state that every knowledge a man needs to develop himself and his society has been deposited in books. It is only available to those who search for it. The greatest treasures in Iife are in books.
As part of the celebration of this global observance day this year, I have mapped out plans of visiting primary and secondary schools in turn, to further create the awareness and encourage Rivers young boys and girls on the importance of inculcating the reading habit.
And because writing cannot be divorced from reading, I also intend to organize essay competitions in the future with attractive prizes which will involve students at different levels and also professionals in order to boost our passion for writing and reading. I just may have a little surprise myself in sometime to come. We will see about that.
Just like the Pakistani school girl Malala Yousafzai once stated, “our books and pens are the most powerful weapons”, let us start reading today to secure our tomorrow!
God bless and keep you and your families.
From Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, The Wife of His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, The Governor of Rivers State.