L-R: National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (ipman), Chief Obasi Lawrence, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr taiye Haruna, Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (moman), Mr Obafemi Olawore and representative of the Group Managing Director of nnpc, Dr David Ige, at a stakeholders meeting to address the current petrol scarcity tagged: petrol queues must go, in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN

The management of the
French Oil gaint, Total Exploration and Producing Nigeria (TEPNG) says it would maintain the company’s commitment to wards encouraging young Nigerians to retain the habit of reading as a way of life.
The Deputy Managing Director, TEPN, Port Harcourt District, Mr Nicolas Brunet made this declaration Thursday at the 2015 Book Reading event organised by Total for secondary schools within and around Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.
“The promotion of human capital development through scholarship schemes, Book Reading and Open Day events is now a known tradition in Total and we are committed to it”, said Brunet.
Stressing that the firm has championed youth development in action, the Deputy Managing Director said sustainable development of youths in both its host communities and operational areas has formed the pivot of Total’s Corporate Social Responsibility Capacity building programmes and commended the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the University of Port Harcourt for their huge partnership which contributed to the success of the event.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Barr Minabelem Michael-West said nothing best symbolizes the school more than books and stressed the need for every government to give special attention to education.
“Books are veritable tools of education. That is why Rivers State Government made huge effort in providing libraries especially in the new schools, he said emphassing that apart from being the hub of oil and gas, the state is also the hot bed of literary activities with Port Harcourt having been World Book capital.
Michael-West said as future leaders, the youths cannot lead well unless they are good readers and noted that the theme of the event, “Reading for Leading” was very appropriate.
The Permanent Secretary commended Total for its huge investment and interest in promoting education in the state and challenged other corporate bodies to emulate the firm by showing active support for the interest of the society.
In his own remark, the Rivers State born literary giant of Africa, Dr Elechi Amadi said, “I cannot congratulate Total enough for its efforts in making reading get its desired attention”.
Without reading, you cant acquire knowledge and without knowledge you  lead,   the youths and charged them to develop passion for reading.
The Tide reports that fifteen schools participated in the event which was graced by renowned literary writers including the current chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, Rivers State branch, Mr Obinna Nwodim, Dr Elechi Amadi, MrAnaele Ihuoma and Uzo Nwamara.

Chris Oluoh