Victoria Mgbanwa
The Convener of Book Hangout and Founder of La vie Learns, Sandra Onojetah has organised a pioneering initiative to revive Nigeria’s dwindling reading culture among children through Book Hangout, a platform dedicated to fostering literacy and development.
The program is designed to ignite a passion for reading and writing in young minds by offering a fun, engaging environment that encourages love for books over screen time.
Speaking at the event to mark the children day celebration in Abuja, Onojetah challenged the popular narrative that African children dislike reading.
“Children don’t hate reading, we just haven’t captured their interest yet.
The Book Hangout is about giving children a reason to fall in love with books again, to see reading not as a chore but as an adventure,” she said.
The event which is the 4th edition brought together children from various schools and communities to participate in book reading, storytelling sessions, and interaction with young authors.
Onojetah emphasized the need for children to tell Nigerian stories.
“We have so many foreign books in our homes and schools, but our children need to see that they too can write and that their stories matter,” she noted.
As part of measures that should be put in place in combating poor reading culture among children,she urged parents to reduce screen time, but support their children’s reading and writing habits.
“Reading builds the brain and shapes the mind. There is so much to gain from a child who reads and even more from one who writes.
The Executive Director of Gem Hub Initiative, Partner Book Hangout, Oyeyemi Pitan, highlighted the importance of reading in shaping future problem-solvers.
“The Book Hangout is to encourage young people to read because we believe that a mind that is rich would be able to solve problems in the society.
“We want to enrich their minds, widen their horizons, and help them proffer meaningful solutions.”
She explained that the initiative is grounded in the organization’s commitment to empowering adolescents and youth with the information and skills needed for personal growth and social change.
The Book Hangout also seeks to instill patriotism in young Nigerians.
“We want children to understand and appreciate Nigeria not just see it as a country, but as their own, given to them by God to nurture and develop.
“Through books, they can learn more about their nation and identify ways to contribute positively to its progress.”
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the event, Pitan pointed out the deliberate involvement of children from both high- and low-income homes.
“We ensured that children from underserved communities were part of this experience to expose them to new opportunities and broaden their perspectives,” she said.
Pitan used the occasion to call on government at all levels to improve the quality of education.
“Some schools lack infrastructure, and although teachers are doing their best, the quality of education still need to be upgraded. This is about our future. We need to develop human capital ”.
She expressed concern over recent school closures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Two months ago, all public schools in the FCT were under lock and key, including postgraduate institutions.
This is alarming. Imagine children staying home, or a pregnant woman unable to access care , these are real consequences. We urge the FCT Minister to prioritize human capital, beyond just roads and infrastructure.”
Pitan commended parent who brought their children and encouraged others to cultivate reading habits at home.
The Director of Reconcilers Children Academy in Lugbe, Abuja, Amanda Omachi, also raised concerns over the declining reading habits among Nigerian children.
She warned that if efforts are not made to revive the reading culture, the future could face serious challenges.
“We noticed decline reading rate among our children. If we do not take steps to restore the reading culture in Nigeria, the future could be at serious risk and that’s what motivated us to take action,” she said.
