Reading time: 2 Minutes
Abeokuta – Chief Dr. Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, Founder/Coordinator of The SixthSense Initiative, has emphasized the crucial role of reading culture in promoting youth and national development.
Delivering a lecture at the 13th Speech Prize Giving Day of Command Day Secondary School, Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Lasile stressed that reading has the power to transform lives, communities, and nations.
He noted that while some young people still embrace reading, many have lost touch with the joy of reading due to distractions like social media and lack of access to quality reading materials.
However, Dr. Lasile highlighted the numerous benefits of reading culture for youth development, including enhanced critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Lasile also emphasized the importance of reading culture for national development, stating that a knowledgeable and informed citizenry is better equipped to drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress.
He advocated for collaborative efforts among parents, educators, and policymakers to create an environment that encourages and supports reading.
“Reading culture is a vital tool in promoting youth and national development. It has the power to transform lives, communities, and nations. Let us work together to revive and sustain a culture of reading, empowering our young people to become active participants in shaping a brighter future for all”.
“Successful initiatives and programmes abound, from book clubs and literacy workshops to reading challenges and author visits. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to create an environment that encourages and supports reading”.
“A knowledgeable and informed citizenry is better equipped to drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress. Reading can foster a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it, leading to more informed decision-making and civic engagement,” Dr. Lasile stated.
