By Mariam Abeeb
The 1st runner-up of book the kids again reading competitions, Pearl Okereke, an SS2 student of the Hillside School, Abuja, has encourage improved reading culture among Nigerian children.
She made this known while sharing her perspectives at a press briefing about the reading competition, organized by goodluck Godwin Hayi held in Abuja.
It could be recalled that on October 4th 2024, Students from several schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja were brought together in a healthy book review competition organized by the Coordinator of ‘Book The Kids Again’ initiative, Mr Goodluck Godwin Hayi.”
She stressed that reading has always been part of her daily life, but the competition made her realize how important it is to parents, schools, and organizations.
She said that the win and the reward has really encouraged her to read more.
According to her, the project can help revive a dying reading culture, noting that while parents are doing their best to encourage reading, there’s always room for improvement.
She noted that more initiative like this should happen more frequently and receive better publicity to motivate students to read—not just for exams, but for personal growth and enjoyment.”
“Reading has always been part of my daily life, but this competition made me realize how important it is to parents, schools, and organizations. It needs to be inculcated into the lives of Nigerian children.
“My win has enhanced my reading culture by showing me the rewards of reading and its transformative impact. The recognition has also inspired others in my school and family to read more.”
“Projects like Book the kids initiative are vital for Nigeria today, where reading is often undervalued. Many see it only as a means to pass exams rather than as a hobby or a way to improve mental health and interpersonal skills”, she stated.
Furthermore, the principal of Hillside School, Mrs Ihuoma Anadu have called on the federal government to subsidize the cost of books to encourage a reading culture that contributes to societal development.
Anadu, highlighted that this initiative will enhance reading culture and close the gap of laziness to read among the citizens.
According to her, one of the primary challenges is the availability of affordable books.
“To promote reading among children, books must be made available and accessible,” she said. “If books are expensive, not everyone can afford them.
“I don’t know how the government operates since I don’t work for them, but finding a way to subsidize the cost of books—whether locally published or imported—will ensure these resources reach children who need them most. That will make a significant difference,” she said.
The competition featured four schools in Abuja: Aduvie International, Olumawu, Stella Maris, and Hillside School.
