Obasanjo charges young people to embrace reading, emulate Chinua Achebe

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns over the declining reading culture among young Nigerians, warning that the trend could erode the country’s literary heritage.

Speaking at the monthly Reading/Writers Dialogue organized by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), FCT chapter, in Abuja on Saturday, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of reading in nation-building.

The former president, who was the guest writer for the February edition of the dialogue, themed “The Writers’ Role in Nation-Building and Africa’s First Presidential Library,” lamented that despite easy access to information through the internet, many young Nigerians no longer engage in serious reading.

“If you want to have writers, you must also have readers. One of the things to focus on is how to make our children develop a reading habit, especially in this internet age,” Obasanjo said.

He warned that if the poor reading culture persists, it could not only affect Nigeria’s literary legacy but also lead to the emergence of uninformed and incompetent leaders in the future.

“A reader is a leader. A leader may not necessarily be a writer, but a leader must be a reader to be informed and know what to do,” he added.

Obasanjo praised Nigeria’s literary icons, highlighting the late Chinua Achebe as a distinguished writer who used his craft to elevate Nigeria’s culture and international reputation.

He commended the ANA FCT chapter for its efforts in promoting literacy and inspiring young writers, urging them to continue championing initiatives that bridge generational gaps in literature.

During the dialogue, Obasanjo also provided insights into some of his published works, including “My Command,” “This Animal Called Man,” “Not My Will,” “A New Dawn,” “Democracy Works,” and “Making Africa Work.”

Speaking on the sidelines, human rights activist and former senator Shehu Sani praised Nigerian authors for their role in shaping society through literature.

“Every writer reflects the reality of their era. By documenting their ideas, they shape society politically, economically, and socially,” Sani stated.

He lamented that the rise of internet culture has contributed to declining reading habits, making many people less inclined to engage in research and deep reading.

ANA Abuja Chairman, Architect Chukwudi Eze, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to nurturing young writers through mentorship programs.

“The Reading/Writing Dialogue is part of our efforts to promote narratives that will lead to a better Nigeria. We are honored to have Obasanjo here to share his experiences as a leader and prolific writer,” Eze said.

The event featured a discussion panel, spoken-word performances, poetry readings, and award presentations.