Hon. Chinasa: Nigeria's Reading Culture Is Dying - And Here's What Must Be Done

All Facts Newspaper | Abia, April 23, 2025 - As nations across the globe mark the 2025 World Book and Copyright Day, Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa has raised a strong national call for renewed investment in literacy, local authors, and school libraries, warning that Nigeria's dwindling reading culture could pose long-term developmental threats.

The lawmaker, in a passionate statement on Tuesday, urged the government, stakeholders in the education sector, and cultural agencies to urgently prioritize the development of policies that support book access, author empowerment, and the cultivation of reading habits, especially among young Nigerians.

World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated annually on April 23, was initiated by UNESCO to recognize the powerful role books play in bridging cultures, transferring knowledge, and preserving history. This year's theme, "Read Your Way," challenges citizens to embrace reading in a manner that fuels personal transformation and social awareness.

Hon. Chinasa emphasized that books are not just educational tools, but vessels of heritage and imagination:

"Books are a window to the world-each page introduces us to new ideas, people, and possibilities. But what happens when fewer people open these pages?"

The Abia-born politician, known for championing educational initiatives, warned that while Nigeria once took pride in literary giants, it now risks becoming a nation of cultural consumers instead of creators-unless urgent action is taken to support writers and make books more accessible.

"World Book Day should not be reduced to mere ceremonial talk. It is a loud reminder that a nation that doesn't read is a nation that loses the ability to lead," he stated.

Chinasa proposed targeted policies to fund authors, reinvigorate reading programs in schools, and digitize books for wider accessibility, particularly in rural areas. He also encouraged corporate bodies and tech companies to invest in e-reading platforms and content sponsorship.

In closing, Hon. Chinasa challenged Nigerian parents, educators, and public officials to treat books as essential tools of empowerment, not luxury items:

"If we want to raise a generation that can lead Nigeria into the future, we must first raise a generation that reads."