RSG Lists Gains Of World Book Capital

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, Nigeria High Commissioner to the Gambia, Ambassador Esther Audu, President Goodluck Jonathan and the Vice President of the Gambia, Dr Ajisatou Saidy, at the inauguration of Nigerian House in Banjul recently.

As Port Harcourt hosts the World Book capital next year, the Rivers State Government has said that the event will impact positively on the state’s economy.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikwuru who said this at a reading competition organised by the Port Harcourt Book Club last Friday in Port Harcourt, also commended the club for the competition, stressing that it will promote reading culture in the state.
The Deputy Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Sir Owene Wonodi also advised children to pay more attention to reading.
In his word, “he who does not read is like a dead person, “the more you read, the more you become aware that you do not know and if you are a step ahead of your pairs, definitely you are a leader, meaning that reading is a way to the top”.
He also expressed satisfaction with the activities of the Port Harcourt Book Club and urged the club to be sustain the competition.
The Executive Director of the Port Harcourt Book Club, Mrs Koko Kalango said that the competition was part of the activities to prepare the students for the forth-coming Port Harcourt World Book Capital in 2014.
Kalango said that apart from the children, the event would benefit all educational institution, stressing that the club will work in synergy with both primary and secondary schools to ensure the success of the event.
In their speeches, Master Peace Nemedim and little Miss Ifesinachi Amadi, both of Port Harcourt Primary Schools called for the provision of more reading materials for schools in the state.
They stated that the availability of reading materials will stimulate interest for reading among pupils.