By Our Correspondent
Lagos, May 8, ’26 (TNZ) The Lagos State government says it is committed to continually transforming its libraries into technology-driven resource centres with internet access, discussion spaces and relaxation corners.
TheNewsZenith reports that Mr Adeniran Kasali, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Tertiary Education, announced the commitment at the 2026 World Book Day celebration on Thursday, in Lagos.
This, according to Kasali, is to encourage a flexible and enjoyable reading culture.
He, therefore, urged students to embrace reading for pleasure beyond classrooms and examinations.
The permanent secretary stressed the importance of learning, relearning and unlearning.
TheNewsZenith reports that students from all six education districts in the state, and education-sector stakeholders, attended the event. The theme of this year’s World Book Day is “Reading for Pleasure”.
Kasali noted that leisure reading enhances mental relaxation, personal growth and broader knowledge acquisition beyond academic demands.
“Leisure reading helps individuals, particularly students, to consciously improve their knowledge and wellbeing.
“It sharpens their minds and enables them to contribute meaningfully to their communities while reading in a relaxed atmosphere.
“Libraries in Lagos will continue to evolve into technology-driven resource centres with internet access, discussion spaces and relaxation corners.
“This is to encourage a flexible and enjoyable reading culture,” TheNewsZenith quotes him saying.
Dr Pius Olaojo of the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, also spoke at the event.
Olaojo urged students to cultivate the habit of reading for pleasure. He described reading as a powerful tool for mental relaxation, creativity and improved academic performance beyond classroom activities and examinations.
According to him, reading for examinations differs from leisure reading. He noted that students can relax with enjoyable books whenever academic work becomes stressful.
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“Reading for pleasure refreshes the mind and helps students return to their studies with renewed concentration, energy and better understanding of difficult subjects,” he said.
He also described reading for pleasure as recreational or personal reading undertaken mainly for enjoyment, entertainment and productive use of free time outside academic or religious engagements.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Acting Director of the Lagos State Library Board, Mrs Sofuye Oyenike, said the theme was aimed at rekindling reading culture among young people.
Oyenike said the initiative would also make libraries, classrooms and homes vibrant centres of learning and creativity.
According to her, the platform was designed to bring together students from different education districts to share reading experiences.
She added that participants engaged in drama presentations, poetry renditions and other activities to mark the annual celebration.
“As a board, our duty is not only to provide access to books, but also to nurture the habit of reading.
“That is why we champion 13 functional and well-equipped libraries across Lagos State,” TheNewsZenith quotes Oyenike as saying.
Lagos Coordinator of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria, Mrs Aderonke Kimemenihia-Eseka, advised students to embrace books beyond examinations.
Kimemenihia-Eseka said reading promotes creativity, discovery, personal growth and leadership development.
According to her, intentional reading builds intelligent minds, shapes character and empowers children to transform their future through knowledge and imagination.
“Readers today become leaders tomorrow. Every child who embraces books opens the door to limitless opportunities, brighter dreams and a future shaped by knowledge, creativity and purpose,” she said.
TheNewsZenith reports that organisers of the event distributed free textbooks and school bags to students on the occasion. (TNZ)
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