By Prosper Okoye
Literacy campaigner Sandra Onojetah says Nigerian children are not averse to reading, but many lack access to books that capture their interests and reflect their experiences.
Onojetah, who is also the Director of LaVie Readers Hub, made the remarks at Book Hangout 2026 in Abuja, in an event organised to mark Children’s Day with the theme, “Reading One Language Different Tongues” at the weekend.
“It’s not that children don’t love to read. It’s just because they have not seen the books they love to read,” Onojetah said.
She challenged the widespread perception that African children are unwilling readers, arguing that children develop an interest in books when they are exposed to engaging and relatable reading materials.
According to her, the challenge is not a lack of interest but limited exposure to books that resonate with young readers.
“When books are introduced early and associated with play, children grow up seeing reading as natural and enjoyable,” she said, stressing the need to cultivate reading habits from early childhood.
Onojetah also called on parents and guardians to model reading behaviour for children.
“If you want children to read, you must show them that you read,” she said.
The literacy advocate said initiatives such as Book Hangout were designed to expose children to reading in a fun and interactive environment while helping them develop confidence, creativity and a sense of identity.
The event brought together children, parents and educators for reading sessions, storytelling, literary discussions and other learning activities.
A parent, Walshak Myalshak, who spoke on the development, said programmes that promote reading remained important despite competing demands on children’s attention.
According Myalshak “These little things matter a lot in shaping and encouraging our kids.”
Myalshak lamented what he described as the decline in reading culture among young people, attributing it partly to the disappearance of school libraries and increasing dependence on social media and digital entertainment.
“When we were in school, we had libraries and dedicated library days. Reading was part of what we did,” he said.
He added that many schools no longer provide similar opportunities, making it difficult for children to develop strong reading habits.
“Most of the schools don’t even have libraries,” he added.
Despite concerns over changing learning habits, Myalshak acknowledged that children can learn through multiple formats, including documentaries, audio content and other educational media, provided the focus remains on acquiring knowledge.
Among the participants was Oluwakorede Pitan Mimshach, who said the event had introduced him to new books and authors.
“It’s been really exciting and I’m getting more knowledge about things, more books and more authors,” he said.
The student said reading had encouraged him to begin keeping a personal diary after being inspired by the popular children’s book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Asked what message he has for other children, he said, “You can come to the Book Hangout and learn about stuff, knowledge and books.”
The event was organised by LaVie Readers Hub in partnership with Gem Hub Initiative and Reconcilers Children Academy.
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