Former President Olusegun Obasanjo led a host of dignitaries to the unveiling of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf”, a children’s book written by famed Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The children’s book titled was presented at the event tagged, “Christmas Magic” in Lagos on Friday.
Also at the unveiling were former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, Prof Hakeem Belo-Osagie, former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Bella Disu, serial entrepreneur, Ndidi Nwuneli.
In a statement Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), praised the author for helping to reinforce the reading culture among Nigerians, especially the youths and children.
He said, “Reading remains a very important aspect of our educational development, which must be encouraged always.
“Sadly, the reading culture among Nigerian youths has continued to decline due to a poor educational system, an inordinate desire for materialism, a lack of reading materials and functional libraries, and above all, the dying passion for reading among the youths.
“Every speaker at the event encouraged the youths to rekindle their passion for reading. Readers are leaders they say. Reading will help the youths to build their critical thinking and analytical ability to succeed in an ever-complex world.”
He thanked Chimamanda for organising the event and for consistently advancing the cause of Nigerian society through her literary works.
“As I have always maintained, our New Nigeria will encourage our very gifted youths to discover their talents, fuel their passions, and develop their skills for the progress of our society,” Obi said.