Zaynab Abioye
Stakeholders in the media and education sectors on Tuesday called for a revival of reading culture among Nigerian students, warning that the growing dependence on social media is eroding intellectual development and academic excellence.
The call was made at a live conversation themed, “Community Media in Our Nascent Democracy: The Ogun State Example,” organised to mark the 35th anniversary of Prestige Newspaper at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Hall, Iwe-Iroyin, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the event, the publisher of Prestige Newspaper, Dada Olanipekun, expressed concern over what he described as the declining interest in reading among young people, attributing the trend to the misuse of social media and digital technology.
He said books remained indispensable tools for learning and personal development despite rapid technological advancement, urging students to cultivate the habit of reading beyond academic requirements.
Olanipekun also advocated stronger support for community journalism, describing community newspapers as the closest media platforms to the grassroots because they amplify local voices and address issues affecting ordinary people.
He said, “Community newspapers remain the closest medium to the people because they focus on grassroots issues and give voice to local communities.”
Representing former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Mr. Bola Adeyemi commended the publisher for sustaining the newspaper over the past 35 years through what he described as factual, balanced and responsible journalism.
Adeyemi also lauded Olanipekun’s efforts to promote literacy through the donation of books and writing materials to students, describing the initiative as a practical strategy for rekindling interest in reading.
He urged the organisers to sustain the annual public conversation and educational outreach to public schools to further strengthen reading culture among schoolchildren.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Wale Olanrewaju, praised Prestige Newspaper for using its anniversary to promote public enlightenment rather than mere celebration.
Olanrewaju expressed concern over the declining reading habit among students, lamenting that many now read only to pass examinations instead of acquiring knowledge.
He added that initiatives promoting community newspapers and reading culture would help raise a more informed and intellectually engaged generation.
The event climaxed with the presentation of books and other educational materials to selected public schools in Ogun State as part of efforts to encourage reading among students.
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