READING HABIT AND YOUTH OF TODAY: THE WAY FORWARD   

READING HABIT AND YOUTH OF TODAY: THE WAY FORWARD   

By: Balami Lazarus     

As a boy through my teens and to this day one among what I had in common with my peers were books, prose (novels and short stories) written by Africans and non- Africans authors. A few popular ones that made rounds  in our circle are: “An African Night Entertainment” (1962), “Passport of Mallam Ilia” (1960) by Cyprian Ekwensi, “Chike and The River”(1966) by Chinua Achebe, “Treasure Island” (1883) by Robert Louis Stevenson, “Undesirable Element” (1977) by Mohammed Sule and “The Lady Bird” story book series including James Chase novels.

These books ignited the interest of reading culture in most of us to this day.     Reading has cultivated in us the love for books which some of us derived our general knowledge from. It has also helped us in quiz, debates and discussions on contemporary issues. For me, books have become my companion over the years and have become one of my hobbies. Assuming you are to maroon me on an unhabituated island, kindly do that with containers full of novels. I gladly accept this offer any day anytime.   

Reading has also shaped our understanding of the use of the English language making it possible for some few of us to have a cartridge of vocabulary and the ability to use and manipulate them at ease as we wish. Those of us in the journalism profession and those teaching in the institutions of learning will attest to the fact that reading books has increased our scope of knowledge.

Reading takes you to the innermost part of the world presenting before you a wide spread- sheet of knowledge of history, culture, tradition, people and places around the globe.     I paused, because I can now feel your temperature hearing the rumbling and bubbling of the volcano about to erupt in you for not yet telling you the way forward.

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To awaken the dying reading culture among young people in our society can be done by developing a subject curriculum to be known as Reading and taught at both primary and secondary schools level. The emphasis should be reading short story books. Have you heard of RAN- Reading Associations of Nigeria based at University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) they are one to be strong associations that are encouraging the art reading culture in Nigeria today by organizing- book fairs, exhibitions and book reading in schools around the country.

Individuals, organizations and government establishments of like objectives can liaise with RAN to help in promoting this culture.     Schools and institutions should endeavour to have libraries to bring books close to the people. Parents come in by telling their children stories that are already in prints and make available such books to them.       

Reading competitions should be organized by individuals, schools and corporate bodies with attractive handsome packages and cash prizes inclusive. Take the case of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) yearly essay writing competition of #1million cash prize including 4 or 5 years educational scholarship. What encouragement.     With these few suggestions I believe that reading as an art will be restored back in us as a culture putting us back on the reading track.     

Balami,  a Publisher/ Columnist.     08036779290

READING HABIT AND YOUTH OF TODAY: THE WAY FORWARD