A crucial call to action for Nigerian youths to embrace a reading culture dominated discussions at the launch of the short story collection, “Loud Whispers,” held in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria
The event served as a platform for educational and media experts to re-emphasize the worrying decline in reading among some young Nigerians, largely attributed to social media and economic pressures.
Emmanuel Abimbola, Executive Director of Pheemab Educational Services, expressed serious concern over the “huge decline” in reading habits, proposing systemic solutions.
“In every home, every parent should ensure they make literature important and expose their children to books,” Abimbola urged.
He also called for greater institutional support, recommending a stronger emphasis on literature in schools and the establishment of a National Book Commission to promote books across the country.
”Government should give support to book fairs. When we have the weight of the government behind literature, then literature will move forward in the country,” he said.
Other key figures echoed this sentiment.
Hammed Abiodun, Managing Director of Momas-Epail, Kunle Kasumu, Presenter of Channels Book Club, and Makinde Adeniran, President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), all harped on the need for parents and teachers to be intentional in reviving the reading culture.
They advised that adults must encourage more reading while also monitoring children’s activities on social media.
”It is of a great importance for the youths to start taking literature and reading very seriously. While the pressure of survival in the present economy is a major contributor to the decline, there’s every need to reawaken our children’s reading culture.” Abiodun stated.
The panelists strongly recommended that the book, Loud Whispers, be introduced in schools, libraries, airports, and organizations as a catalyst for this revival.
Kunle Kasumu reiterated its appeal: “‘Loud Whispers’ is a brilliant, well put-together book that should be read by all. It is time to revive the reading culture.” He recommended.
Book review
The book, “Loud Whispers” by Nwabundo Ifeoma Alayande, is a 97-page collection of 19 short stories that explores everyday struggles, captivating the audience with its raw depiction of Nigerian life.
Reviewer Anikeade Funke-Treasure Akintoye described the book as “Life’s Everyday Struggles Told with Heart,” noting how the collection tackled the themes such as love, betrayal, hypocrisy, marriage, family, death, and survival with honesty, humour, and emotion.
Akintoye shared examples of the compelling narratives:
“Nne’s Wrapper”, a moving tale of love, forgiveness, and family strength.
”The Parasite and the Fool” and “Wahala” explore complex dynamics in friendship and marriage.
Stories like “Eko Akete” and “Our Rapper Conductor” paint a vivid, humorous picture of life in Lagos.
Praising the author’s background as a performance storyteller, the reviewer highlighted the writing as “simple, expressive, and rhythmic,” carrying valuable lessons on choices, resilience, and the quiet strength of ordinary people.
Akintoye concluded by happily announcing that with this debut, Alayande joins a growing list of Nigerian writers using short fiction to mirror the society.
Author’s Inspiration
Author Nwabundo Alayande, a Nigerian writer, storyteller, and creative artist, shared the therapeutic journey behind her debut collection.
”Writing was therapeutic for me,” Alayande expressed, explaining that she initially wrote about life issues to help her mentally while dealing with a personal challenge.
The title, she revealed, came as an inspiration when she decided to compile her works after a friend’s encouragement on social media.
“The inspiration came to me to name all the collections of those life stories I had written ‘Loud Whispers,’ and that gave birth to the book we are launching today,” she said.
Known for her ability to draw profound meaning from ordinary experiences, Alayande’s Loud Whispers is now available at major bookstores and online platforms.
Olusola Akintonde