Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-IDRDG chieftains reiterate education as primary focus
The quarterly reading session of the Musediq Alogba E-Library & Research Centre, an arm of the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), has continued to fulfill its primary objectives in mentoring, encouraging and inspiring students across Ikorodu Division.
The session which is the fourth in its series was held at the Ultra -Modern Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu last Thursday, with about 300 students across public and private secondary schools in Ikorodu in attendance.
A retired Permanent Secretary, Office of the Special Adviser on Education (OSAE), Dr. Shamaideen Allison, was the Library Personality. He read from the book – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
In the tradition of the session, students from various schools also took their turns to read from the book.
Many of the participants – students, teachers, administrators and youth leaders that took part in the session commended the initiative as truly engaging and motivating. The students in particular called for more of the session.
Abuwa Godwin, a Senior Secondary School (SSS) II student of United High School, Ikorodu, commending the initiative said that the programme helped her develop self -confidence and called on the government to make it regular.
“Today’s programme is really good. It really gives us the confidence we need as students. It gives us the confidence to read more, and understand. It helps us physically, mentally and socially as well.
“We hope that the government should create a day like this to be a regular programme for the students in Lagos State and beyond,” she urged
A student of Andus D’Great School, Igbogbo, Eyinoluwa Lawal, who is one of her school’s representatives described the Alogba Library Reading Session as the best she has attended in recent times.
“The session started a few minutes after the time it was scheduled. It was honestly one of the best and the most beautiful sessions I have ever been to in recent times.
“This (the session) taught me the use of reading, because we participated in reading the book – Things Fall Apart, from Chinua Achebe, and honestly it was very interactive, and more than anything, I wish to do this again. Thank you for having us,” she said.
Another student, Ayokunle from Oreyo Senior Grammar School, Igbogbo, also commenting on the reading session, emphasised the lessons learnt:
“This programme feels very good to me. I have learnt a lot during the session. I learnt about the boy that didn’t want to be like his father and other lessons. I really appreciate this.”
Young Moremi Agunfo, a JSS 3 student from Shamsideen Grammar School, Ikorodu, acknowledged that the session was inspiring.
“What I can say about this programme is that it is really exciting, and inspiring. I wish it can come up more often so that I can participate.”
Ifeoluwa Oyewole, a SSS 2 student from Oriwu Senior Model College, also doing a post -mortem examination of the session said she learnt about having perspective when reading and not just reading a particular book without a clear focus and goal.
“This programme has taught me how to read books. In addition, it taught me that I should not just read books, but also that I should learn about the perspective of such books that I read. I should take my own personal knowledge from the book and that, I should use the knowledge to improve myself and the society.
“This programme also taught me how some dignitaries have achieved a lot and motivated me to achieve a lot in life. It also taught me that I should not go for something less; I should go for something high,” she said.
Olamilekan Oluwapelumi, SSS 2 student of Lagos State Civil Service Senior Model College, Igbogbo, also spoke about how the session changed his perspective about reading.
“I actually learnt a lot during this programme. I am a science student and in particular, I have learnt that I have to read and also how to read. In addition, I have also learnt that reading is not just for the Arts students alone.”
The science student furthered, “During this session, they made me know that readers are leaders, and without reading you cannot become anything in this life.
“I learnt to read, and they have also explained how to get views on reading. Sincerely, I have always wanted to read this book – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. They have given me an opportunity to read the book. They gave a copy to each school to read.
“I really appreciate the organisers of this event, and I look forward to have this event again.”
Speaking earlier, Dr. Mobolaji Ayotunde Olukoya, Vice Chairman, IDRDG who chaired the occasion, commended students he described as leaders and future of the society, he emphasised the importance of reading.
“I begin with our children ( the leaders of tomorrow) and young readers, who are at the very heart of today’s engagement. You represent curiosity in its purest form and the promise of a future shaped by knowledge and understanding and in your midst here, I see future Presidents, Governors, Senators, Teachers, Professors, Lawyers, Doctors. I see you all doing well. Amen.
“To our parents, teachers, librarians, mentors, and reading advocates who guide these young minds with patience and purpose, I commend your dedication.
“And to our adult participants—men and women who continue to value books in an age of endless distractions—I salute your commitment.”
The IDRDG Vice Chairman, also emphasising the importance of the session, said that it was a deliberate initiative designed for intellectual engagement and development of youths.
“Reading sessions such as this are not casual gatherings; they are purposeful interventions. Reading remains one of the most enduring instruments for intellectual development and personal growth. Through books, we gain access to accumulated wisdom, sharpen our thinking, enrich our vocabulary, and broaden our perspectives.
“For our children in particular, reading goes far beyond academic success. It nurtures imagination, strengthens confidence, improves communication, and lays a solid foundation for responsible citizenship. A child who reads consistently is better equipped to think independently and to engage meaningfully with the world.”
Dr Olukoya also, commending the large turnout, stated that the session connects generations.
“It is therefore encouraging to see such a commendable turnout today. Your presence sends a clear message —that reading still matters and that, as a community, we remain committed to lifelong learning.
“This session brings together multiple generations in one shared space. Such intergenerational engagement is invaluable. It allows experience to meet curiosity, wisdom to meet enthusiasm, and guidance to meet potential.”
Prof. Olumide Metilelu, Chairman, Alogba E -Library & Research Centre, said that the reading session formed part of the library’s project that is dear to the IDRDG.
“It reflects IDRDG’s enduring commitment to intellectual development, literacy promotion, and the cultivation of a sustainable reading culture within our community.
“The Musediq Alogba E – Library remains a practical expression of this vision; providing access to knowledge, research resources, and structured learning opportunities for all.
“Reading as a disciplined intellectual exercise, plays a crucial role in personal growth and societal development,” Prof. Metilelu said.
At the session were Chief Tele Oduloye, former Chairman, IDRDG, Hon. Fathiu Salisu, General Secretary, IDRDG, Comrade Lekan Biliamin – Oba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Development and member, IDRDG, Mr Tobi Amusa, who represented the Executive Chairman, LSUBEB, Mr Seun Elesho, Secretary, Musediq Alogba E – Library & Research Centre and IDRDG member, Mr Babatunde Afuwape, member, Ikorodu Town Hall Management Board, Mr Musbau Alejo, a senior civil servant, Comrade Jackson Adewale A. Ogunkoya, Coordinator, NYCN, and Comrade Oriyomi Adebogun, Coordinator, NYCN Imota LCDA among others.
