The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has expressed its willingness to partner with a Nigerian multi-concept firm, OpenWay Global Concepts, in its One Million Books Project.
It is a project designed to revive the dwindling reading culture among Nigerians.
The UNESCO Director, Ydo Yao, in a confirmation letter sent to the organisers of the project, OpenWay Global Concepts, disclosed that the international organisation will be giving technical partnership to the project.
Yao stated: “The project would certainly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“It would also promote the objective of the World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated every April 23.
“It is a symbolic date for the world to pay tribute to books and the authors who wrote them.”
Speaking on behalf of the organisers of the project, the Chief Executive Officer of OpenWay Global Concepts, Adesina Adetola, appreciates UNESCO for supporting the initiatives and called on others to do the same.
According to Adetola: “It is no longer news that one of the greatest challenges facing this current age, militating against all-round development in this part of the world is the continuous dwindling reading culture among the general populace.
“The issue is becoming so alarming that not only that library is extremely becoming outdated, books are also fast disappearing on the shelves.
“People these days generally find it difficult to open a book and read.
“This is not limited to certain class of people, status, age or creed.
“Less for examination or job interview, reading has fallen off the priority list of an average Nigerian.”
“Therefore, the main objectives of the project are to promote reading culture among the populace, encourage literary works and promote its relevance in national development, it is also to create sustainable awareness about the benefits, importance and relevance of reading as well as inspire the current generation.
“We therefore appreciate UNESCO for endorsing this project and call upon government institutions, private organisations and individuals to join us in this national revival.”
The project, which will kick off in Ekiti State this year, has prominent Nigerians including Aare Afe Babalola, Prof. Michael Omolewa, Dele Adesina, Dare Babarinsa, Prof. Dupe Adelabu, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, Prof. Femi Olokesusi, Muyiwa Olumilua, Prof. Williams Borishade, Akin Adeoya, Lanre Adesuyi and Kayode Olusemire as members of Advisory Board.
The programme, which will involve reading awareness walk and distribution of one million books to Nigerians, is also aimed at providing an unprecedented accessible book pool for the populace.
OpenWay Global Concepts, established and duly registered in Nigeria in 2008, is a multi-concept firm with vast competences in Community Development Strategy, Socio-economic Research, Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Brand Strategy and Management, Events Management, Publishing and Documentation.
It has over the years championed a good number of events and activities both locally and internationally.
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