Reading time: 7 Minutes
As I walked through the gates of Baptist Girl’s College in Abeokuta, the site of the 2024 SixthSense Summer Children Reading Camp, I could feel a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
The anticipation of children, parents, volunteers, and esteemed guests all gathered for a singular purpose—to ignite and nurture a love for reading among young minds—was nothing short of electrifying.
This wasn’t just another summer camp; it was a vibrant celebration of knowledge, culture, and community. Over the course of the event, I witnessed moments that were as educational as they were emotionally uplifting.
From the speeches of dignitaries to the curious expressions on the faces of the children, every aspect of the camp left an indelible mark on my mind.
The Vision of SixthSense: More Than Just a Reading Camp
The SixthSense Initiative, spearheaded by the passionate Abiodun Lasile, has been on a mission to revive the waning reading culture among young people.
The Summer Children Reading Camp, now in its seventh year, is a cornerstone of this mission. It provides a platform for children to engage with books in a way that is both enjoyable and educational.
As I observed the activities at the camp, I couldn’t help but marvel at the depth of planning and effort that had gone into making this event a success. From the selection of reading materials to the organization of discussions and interactive sessions, every detail was meticulously thought out to ensure that the children not only read but understood and appreciated the value of reading.
Lasile’s commitment to this cause was evident in his interactions with the children and parents. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear that he saw each child as a potential leader, thinker, and innovator.
He frequently reminded parents of their crucial role in nurturing their children’s reading habits, urging them to be deliberate and intentional in creating an environment that fosters lifelong learning.
The Power of Commitment: Ogun State First Lady’s Address
One of the highlights of the camp was the address by Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun. Her presence underscored the importance of the event and the state government’s commitment to promoting quality education. As she spoke, her words resonated deeply with everyone present, particularly the children.
Mrs. Abiodun reiterated the state government’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
She emphasized the role of reading in achieving this goal, noting that a strong reading culture is foundational to acquiring the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in today’s society.
“Reading is a cornerstone of societal development, as history is documented and transcends to reading and writing”.
“As children, you need to imbibe and build a culture of reading to increase your knowledge and chart the course towards a brighter future”, she said.
Her speech wasn’t just a formality; it was a call to action. She spoke with the conviction of someone who genuinely believes in the transformative power of education. The way she engaged with the children, encouraging them to see reading not as a chore but as a gateway to endless possibilities, was truly inspiring.
A Celebration of Cultural Icons: Honoring Wole Soyinka and Oba Matemilola
The 2024 camp was also a celebration of two cultural icons—Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola.
The event coincided with Professor Soyinka’s 90th birthday and Oba Matemilola’s 60th birthday, adding a layer of significance to the proceedings.
Although Professor Soyinka could not be present in person, his son, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, represented him at the event.
In his remarks, Dr. Soyinka highlighted the importance of fostering a strong reading culture from a young age.
“Reading is the foundation upon which the edifice of knowledge is built; let us nurture and sustain it in our children”,he said
His words served as a powerful reminder of the role that reading plays in shaping the minds and futures of young people.
Oba Matemilola’s presence added a regal touch to the event. His deep commitment to the cultural and intellectual development of the youth was evident in his speech.
He praised the SixthSense Initiative for its dedication to reviving the reading culture among young people and charged the children to practice and uphold the reading habits they had cultivated during the camp.
“The dying reading culture among our younger ones must be revived; I commend SixthSense Initiative for their remarkable dedication to this cause,” Oba Matemilola noted.
His words echoed the sentiments of everyone present, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like this in preserving our cultural heritage and intellectual legacy.
A Showcase of Talent: Joshua Morenikeji’s Artistic Performance
One of the most memorable moments of the camp was the performance by Nigeria’s youngest visual artist, Joshua Morenikeji. At just 10 years old, Joshua’s talent is nothing short of extraordinary. His creative abilities were on full display, captivating the audience and earning him well-deserved applause.
Watching Joshua at work was a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within our children. His artistry was not just a display of skill but a testament to what can be achieved when young people are encouraged to explore their talents. It was clear that the camp was not only about reading but also about nurturing creativity in all its forms.
A Community Effort: The Role of Parents and Volunteers
One of the things that struck me most about the camp was the strong sense of community that permeated the event. Parents, volunteers, and supporters all played vital roles in making the camp a success. Their collective effort was a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving common goals.
The parents I spoke with were unanimous in their praise for the camp. Many of them shared stories of how their children had developed a newfound interest in reading, thanks to the activities and interactions at the camp. It was heartening to see how the camp had sparked a passion for learning that would likely continue long after the event was over.
The volunteers, too, were exceptional in their dedication. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Their commitment to the cause was evident in the way they engaged with the children, guiding them through reading sessions and encouraging them to express their thoughts and ideas.
The Closing Ceremony: A Promise for the Future
The closing ceremony of the camp was both a celebration of what had been achieved and a look forward to what lies ahead. The presence of Chief Sunday Oduntan, the Asiwaju Baamofin of Egbaland, added gravitas to the occasion. His speech, in which he shared his personal life story with the young campers, was both inspiring and motivating.
Chief Oduntan’s pledge to continue supporting the initiative in the future was met with widespread appreciation. His words, combined with his generosity and support throughout the camp, underscored the importance of community leaders in driving positive change.
As the camp drew to a close, Abiodun Lasile took to the stage to express his gratitude to everyone who had made the event possible.
His words were filled with optimism and hope for the future. He spoke of the need to expand the camp’s reach and impact, and called on the Ogun State Government and other stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative.
“We are grateful for the partnership and support of the Ogun State Government, and we look forward to expanding our reach and impact through this collaboration”.
“Reading is the key to unlocking the full potential of our children, and we must continue to nurture and sustain this culture for future generations”, Lasile stated.
Reflections and Takeaways
As I reflect on my experience at the 2024 SixthSense Summer Children Reading Camp, I am filled with a deep sense of hope and inspiration. The camp was a powerful reminder of the importance of reading and education in shaping the future of our children. It was also a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.
The children I met at the camp were full of curiosity and enthusiasm. Their eagerness to learn and engage with the world around them was infectious. I left the camp with a renewed sense of purpose, convinced that initiatives like the SixthSense Summer Children Reading Camp are essential to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
In a world where technology often overshadows the simple joys of reading, the SixthSense Initiative is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that the love of reading is a gift that keeps on giving—a gift that opens doors to knowledge, creativity, and endless possibilities.
As we look to the future, it is my hope that more initiatives like this will emerge, ensuring that our children grow up in a world where the love of reading is cherished and sustained.
Adejola Adeyemi Crown, Journalist writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State and Publisher of Tropic Reporters tropicreporters@gmail.com adejolanews@gmail.com 07066518087
