Obi Visits Plateau, Pledges Financial Support for Victims of Attacks

*Laments declining reading culture among youths 

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, yesterday visited internally displaced persons in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State where armed men attacked on Christmas Eve.
This came as he emphasised the need to improve the reading culture in Nigeria, which he says has declined due to systemic issues.

Obi in the company of his party officials from the state, pledged the sum of N5 million to each local government area of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi where the displaced persons are currently seeking refuge.
He expressed dismay and condemned the attacks that led to the loss of lives and property stressing that government should live up to the responsibility of protection of lives and property.

The presidential candidate expressed concern about the number of Nigerians seeking refuge as displaced persons in their country, a situation which he described as unacceptable and should be addressed by the government.
Gunmen had stormed the over 15 communities in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state on Christmas Eve, killing more than 190 people.

Several houses were set ablaze by the attackers on Sunday night. The gun-wielding and blood-curling men also looted farm produce and destroyed properties as they butchered the residents. No group has claimed responsibility for the tragic attack.
Meanwhile, the LP presidential candidate has emphasised the need to improve the reading culture in Nigeria, which he says has declined due to systemic issues.
He said this at an event organised in Lagos on Friday to promote the reading culture among Nigerian youths.
The event titled: ‘Christmas Magic,’ featured the unveiling of a new children’s book called “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf,” written by renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

In a statement via X yesterday, Obi said, “Reading remains a very important aspect of our educational development, which must always be encouraged.
“Sadly, the reading culture among Nigerian youths has continued to decline due to a poor educational system, an inordinate desire for materialism, a lack of reading materials and functional libraries, and above all, the dying passion for reading among the youth.”

The event brought together several influential figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, academics like Prof. Hakeem Bello-Osagie, and activists like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Ndidi Nwuneli. Every speaker encouraged Nigerian youths to regain their passion for reading.
“Readers are leaders, they say. Reading will help the youth to build their critical thinking and analytical ability to succeed in an ever-complex world,” Obi stated.
Obi lauded the author for consistently using her literary works to advance societal causes.

“I thank Chimamanda for organising this wonderful event, and for consistently advancing the cause of our society through her literary works,” he said.
The former governor reiterated his vision for Nigeria’s future.
“As I have always maintained, our New Nigeria will encourage our very gifted youths to discover their talents, fuel their passions, and develop their skills for the progress of our society,” Obi added.