Books are very significant materials as they are banks of knowledge.
From centuries, books have been instrument for passing across knowledge, documenting facts and records.
Over the years, they have been part of the engine of development in societies.
It is in recognition of the key role that books play that United Nations Educational, Scientific And Cultural Organization, UNESCO, earmarked April 23 every year as the World Book Day to promote the joy of books and the art of reading.
The day is celebrated to provide people with many ideas and plans to make them aware of the situation and environment.
The day thus provides platform for stakeholders of the literary world including authors, publishers, teachers, librarians, public and private institutions, humanitarian NGOs and the mass media to come together to promote literacy and help everyone get access to educational resources.
During covid 19 lockdown, books have proved to be powerful tools to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, and expand their horizons, while stimulating their minds and creativity.
Research shows that regular reading improves brain connectivity, increases vocabulary and comprehension, aids in sleep readiness. Reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, fights depression symptoms and prevents cognitive decline.
Reading books benefits both physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime. They begin in early childhood and continue through the senior years.
This is why it is essential for parent to get their children to cultivate reading habit, and should start early, by reading to their kids.
Since books are crucial to education and schooling, it is essential that government strengthen the approach that supports the delivery of basic education services by addressing key issues in the management, sustainability and oversight of basic education.
Government should also address educational shortcomings.
Furthermore government, teachers and the communities need to create enabling environment in which an effective learning environment can be nurtured.
Media organizations must produce an interesting reading programme that would help people to cultivate the habit of reading.
Key education stakeholders in the country including the Federal Ministry of Education should see reading as a variable tool that could make Nigeria great.
Nigeria should continue to collaborate with the international organizations to provide technical oversight on education systems and policies to support high quality reading programming across the country.
It is pertinent for book publishers to challenge themselves in making the cover attractive as a good cover can make or break a title.
A major challenge in book writing and publishing is piracy, there is the need for relevant authorities to optimally fight against piracy and protect the interest of the authors.
Above all, Nigeria Copyright Commission, NCC, should sanction anyone that violates the agency rules and regulations to assure the publishers of protection of their property rights, as it is done in developed countries. .
The theme for this year’s celebration is ideas, activities, slogan and essay and is in response to the coronavirus pandemic, encouraging children to share a story with those that they live with.
Olukemi Akintunde
pub-5160901092443552
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