As the world marked World Book Day on April 23, Fombina Imprints Limited, a publishing company, called on Nigerian youths and students to revive their interest in reading, stating that books still play a role in shaping minds and improving the country’s education system—despite the rise of digital media.

At a symposium in Kano themed “Crisis of Standards, Decline of Reading Culture, and the Challenges of Publishing in the Digital Era: The Place of Books in the Restoration and Transformation of Our Education Sector,” Malam Yunusa Zakaria Ya’u, Managing Consultant of Fombina Imprints, said the reading habit should not be allowed to disappear.

Represented by Mr. Isa Garba, Malam Ya’u said, “We must not allow the digital era to swallow the reading culture. Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier, to learning. Our youths must be guided to see that the phone in their hands is also a library, not just a source of entertainment.”

He added, “Books shape values, guide the conscience, and prepare young minds for leadership. This is why we deliberately chose to mark World Book Day with young people—to reconnect them with the written word.”

Malam Ya’u also supported a mixed approach to reading. “Both printed and digital books have a place in our learning journey. What matters is the quality of content. If we want a different Nigeria, we must cultivate minds through deep, reflective reading—whether on paper or screen.”

The event included panel discussions and a display by local bookshops. Speakers from publishing, academia, and literacy groups discussed the decline in reading and the need to support local publishing as part of efforts to address issues in the education system.

Panelists noted a lack of interest in reading among youths, pointing to reduced attention spans and increased screen use. They called for efforts by families, schools, and the government to make books more available and attractive.

Students from Kano schools who attended the event shared their reactions. “It reminded me of why I used to love reading. I’m now motivated to make time for books again,” said Fatima Sani, a secondary school student.

World Book Day was established by UNESCO in 1995 to encourage reading and highlight the importance of books in education and development.

President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies, demanding urgent action to end the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states.

The President, who met with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja for more than two hours, said the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau States must cease.

“Enough is enough,” President Tinubu declared as he once again condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, told newsmen that the service chiefs briefed the President on all the attacks in the states, the death toll, and the destruction of properties.

The NSA said President Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the insecurity problems.

Ribadu noted that President Tinubu was also actively monitoring and giving instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.

“Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on.

“Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.

“Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive.

“We listened, and we took instructions from him. He gave us new directives. The fact is that Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country.

“We gave him information on what has been happening and assured him of our commitment.

“We had carried out his instructions. We went to places with incidences of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.

“We went to those particular three states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there,” he added.

The NSA said the President highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling insecurity cases.

In a stunning political twist, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement came after a high-level, closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba, the state capital, on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the move on the phone. The decision follows “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.”

Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP platform, was received by top APC chieftains in what is now being described as a strategic political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More to follow….