Obasanjo Laments Declining Reading Culture Among Youths

The Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the declining reading culture among young Nigerians, warning that the trend could threaten the nation’s literary heritage.

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He made this remark during his speech at the monthly ‘Reading/Writers Dialogue’ organized by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), FCT chapter, on Saturday in Abuja.

Obasanjo, a two-time Nigerian leader and prolific writer, was the guest writer for the February edition of the dialogue, themed “The Writers’ Role in Nation-Building and Africa’s First Presidential Library.”

According to him, Nigeria has a rich history of literary giants whose works are globally celebrated. However, he emphasized the need to nurture young writers to bridge the generational gap in the country’s literary landscape.

He emphasized that reading is the key to becoming a writer, yet many young people today lack a strong reading habit despite the vast access to information and materials provided by the internet.

Obasanjo warned that if this trend remains unchecked, it could not only weaken Nigeria’s literary heritage but also contribute to the rise of uninformed and incompetent leaders in the future.

“If you want to have writers, you must also have readers. One of the key challenges is ensuring that our children develop a reading culture, especially in this internet age,” he stated.

“Many of them no longer do serious reading, and reading makes an affective and productive human being.”

“A reader is a leader; a leader must not necessarily be a writer, but a leader must be a reader to be informed and know what to do.”

“Nigeria is blessed with good writers who have used their craft in nation building, and one of such most distinguished authors is Chinua Achebe.

“He exposed Nigeria to the world and used his writings to elevate Nigeria’s culture, particularly his own culture,” he said.

The former president praised the ANA FCT chapter for its efforts in inspiring young Nigerians to develop a reading and writing culture.

He also took the opportunity to provide a synopsis of some of his books presented at the dialogue, including My Command, This Animal Called Man, Not My Will, A New Dawn, Democracy Works, and Making Africa Work, among others.

Earlier, in an interview with News Men, Sen. Shehu Sani, an author and human rights activist, commended Nigerian writers for using their creative talents to drive positive change and promote an egalitarian society.

“First of all, every writer reflects the reality, the season, and the climate of his own era, and by their work and intellect, put down their ideas which shape the society politically, economically, and socially.”

“When you write a book, you become immortal as that book lives beyond your lifetime and will also reach places where you will never reach, meet people you will never meet in your lifetime.”

“Unfortunately, we live in times today where people do not read as much as the older generation, and this could be attributed to the laziness the internet culture brought.”

“The internet is a technology that provides information, teaches, enlightens, but it has also discouraged people from research and reading as they are supposed to,” he said.

In his speech, Arch. Chukwudi Eze, Chairman of ANA Abuja, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to mentoring young scholars and encouraging them to embrace reading and writing.

He noted that the Reading/Writing Dialogue is one of the association’s initiatives aimed at shaping narratives that can contribute to a better Nigeria.

Eze also expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for honoring the invitation, emphasizing that his presence served as an inspiration, particularly for young creative minds.

“Baba is a distinguished leader anytime who has served Nigeria well, and took this country from being a debt nation and made it debt free.”

“His cabinet is probably the most diversified in the history of this country, had the largest numbers of highly skilled professionals at the top level of ministerial management.”

“He is engaging as global leader, and it is an honour to have him in our midst to share thoughts, because he is also a prolific writer.”

“So from the different dimensions of his background and what he has attained in government, it was important to invite him to discuss the role of the writer in nation building” , he said.

The event also included a panel discussion, spoken-word performances, poetry readings, and an awards presentation.

 

 

NAN/Oluchi