From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Growing concerns over declining reading habits among young people and the distracting influence of digital media have led to the launch of a new intellectual and creative initiative in Edo State: the DeeMoat Hub.
The hub recently hosted its maiden Books & Ideas program in Benin City, creating a dedicated platform for learning, innovation, enterprise, and critical thinking aimed at reconnecting young Nigerians with literature.
The inaugural event featured Nigerian author and publisher, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen and his non-fiction book, The Challengers, drawing an audience of writers, students, government officials, and community members.
Speaking at the event, Onome Tovia Ugolor, Program Lead at DeeMoat Books & Ideas, explained that the hub was established on the firm belief that communities thrive when citizens have open access to knowledge and spaces for intellectual exchange.
“DeeMoat Hub was born from a simple but powerful conviction: that communities grow when people have access to knowledge, opportunities, and spaces where ideas can be freely exchanged,” Ugolor said.
She noted that the Books & Ideas series was designed to connect authors directly with readers and spark meaningful public discourse beyond the printed page.
“At a time when reading habits are under pressure and many young people are navigating an increasingly complex world, we believe that books remain powerful tools of education, imagination, and transformation,” she stated, adding that the event marks “the beginning of a community of readers, writers, thinkers, innovators, and citizens who believe in the power of ideas to inspire action.”
Ugolor called on educational institutions, government bodies, development partners, and the private sector to collaborate in establishing the hub as a lasting center for cultural and intellectual engagement.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, his Chief of Staff, Hon. Pius Alile, commended the initiative as a vital center for knowledge acquisition and societal progress.
“We should acquire knowledge for productivity, for the transformation of society, for innovation, and for achieving societal goals,” Alile stated, pledging state support and adding that “any society that rejects knowledge rejects growth.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Enodomwanyi Otamere, urged youth to detach from internet distractions and return to foundational reading habits.
“The use of the internet has actually taken young minds away from reading.
“We should always return to our books… Let us discard the saying that if you want to hide something from a Black man, put it inside a book. Let us look inside the book—there are more things in books than elsewhere,” Otamere observed.
Otamere disclosed that the Ministry would submit The Challengers to the Edo State Book Review Committee for possible recommendation across schools in the state.
Explaining the vision behind the hub, founder Rev. David Ugolor noted that the name “Moat” draws inspiration from Benin’s historic defense structures, symbolizing security in an increasingly uncertain world.
“Knowledge is power, and through books, you can gain knowledge,” Rev. Ugolor said, stressing that the hub aims to provide a safe space where young people can access mentorship, leverage creative expression, and build leadership skills.
Reflecting on his featured book, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen explained that The Challengers is a narrative non-fiction work documenting the rise of contemporary Nigerian entrepreneurs and the evolution of a new business culture.
“First, we fought for freedom. Then we fought for democracy.
“Now, we are fighting for economic freedom,” Imasuen remarked, explaining that the book highlights principles that continue to inspire modern enterprises, including fintech startups.
He noted that the work serves as an authentic story for readers to observe, reflect upon, and draw their own lessons from.
The event concluded with the official book launch, where attendees acquired copies of The Challengers, marking the start of what organizers promise will be a regular series featuring diverse authors and intellectual discussions.
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