Oyo Library Board Sparks Reading Revolution in Ibarapa East

 

OYO LIBRARY BOARD SPARKS READING REVOLUTION IN IBARAPA EAST

 

By Wole Adedoyin

In a major step to rekindle the reading culture among young learners, the Oyo State Library Board has successfully wrapped up its one-day Readership Promotion Campaign tagged “Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success”, held in Eruwa, the heart of Ibarapa East Local Government. The campaign, which took place at the prestigious Awojobi Hall, united students, educators, and stakeholders in a vibrant celebration of books, knowledge, and academic empowerment.

The event specifically targeted Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from selected schools across Ibarapa East. Its core mission was to promote reading as a fundamental pillar of academic success and intellectual development among adolescents in the region.

From motivational speeches to competitive spelling challenges and thought-provoking book tasting sessions, the event packed a punch of educational value and inspiration. One of the major highlights of the day was the official launching of “Library Ambassadors”—a corps of student champions selected to promote reading habits among their peers within their respective schools.

Declaring the event open, Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, captured the essence of the initiative in his powerful message. “Reading is more than just words; it’s a gateway to imagination, innovation, and critical thinking—skills essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world,” he said. His words resonated deeply with the young audience, as he urged them to see books as tools of transformation and knowledge sharing.

In his address, the State Librarian, Mr. Samuel Olukayode Awotona, emphasized the campaign’s vision: to cultivate sound minds by igniting a genuine passion for reading. “A well-read student is a well-informed citizen. Our goal is not only academic excellence but the development of critical thinkers and responsible future leaders,” he said, while commending teachers and partners who contributed to the campaign’s success.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Adejare Alabi, a renowned academic and educational consultant, delivered a compelling lecture on mental discipline, effective study habits, and the role of positive thinking in academic pursuits. “To succeed, students must treat their minds as gardens—what you read is what you sow,” he said, urging students to manage stress, embrace libraries, and read with purpose.

Teachers in attendance described the initiative as “long overdue” and praised the Library Board’s commitment to spreading the culture of reading, especially in underserved communities. According to them, the campaign filled a critical gap by motivating students to develop intellectual curiosity and stronger academic habits.

Students, on their part, were visibly excited and engaged. Many took part in the spelling challenge competition and book tasting sessions, where they were introduced to various genres of literature—ranging from inspirational to fiction and non-fiction works. Winners were awarded books and educational materials to encourage further reading.

The Library Ambassadors initiative was a particular favorite, drawing applause from the audience. These young ambassadors are expected to serve as literacy advocates in their schools, encouraging classmates to embrace books and participate in reading-related activities. Their selection was based on their enthusiasm, academic performance, and communication skills.

Also featured during the event were motivational talks by literacy advocates and educationists who emphasized that reading opens doors to boundless opportunities. The campaign’s message was clear: academic excellence begins with the habit of reading—and that habit must be nurtured from a young age.

Books and reading materials were distributed to participating schools, a gesture that underlined the campaign’s practical impact. Educators described the donation as a much-needed boost to their school libraries and teaching resources.

The campaign was not just an event—it was a movement. It served as a clarion call to parents, educators, and policymakers to invest in reading culture as a long-term strategy for youth development and community upliftment.

As the curtains fell on the day’s activities, students left Awojobi Hall inspired and motivated. “This has changed how I see reading,” said one SS2 student. “Now I know that books are not just for exams—they can also shape my future.”

The Oyo State Library Board, through this campaign, demonstrated that with vision, collaboration, and commitment, a literacy revolution is possible—even in the most rural parts of the state. The success of the Ibarapa East edition is expected to pave the way for similar interventions across other local governments.

In a world dominated by distractions, the message from Eruwa was loud and clear: reading remains the ultimate superpower. And with initiatives like this, the future of education in Oyo State looks brighter than ever.