Aregbesola decries decline interest in reading culture, use of library

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has lamented the dearth of reading culture and the attitude of the society, particularly the younger generation towards the judicious use of the library to enhance their knowledge.

Aregbesola who stated this in Akure, Ondo State during the inauguration of a library built-in Akure Muslim College by the children of the first indigenous Chief Imam of Akure, late AbdulSalaam Alake, called on parents to redirect attention on their wards towards reading ability to stimulate a new reading culture, saying the impact will go a long way if they imbibe in the reading culture in them.

The former Governor of Osun State said the modern education system is practically impossible without a library, stressing that most youths had never been into a library before, noting that the soul of education in any part of the world is a functioning library.

Speaking during the book launch, titled ‘Imam AbdulSalaam Alake: His Life and Legacies’ Aregbesola said “Modern education system is practically impossible without a library. Unfortunately, our children don’t even know what a library is.

“Teachers only have enough time to introduce to students the subject, the actual learning will be drawn from the library resources and personal research.

“Education, both secular and religious is important to man. Religious education helps man to develop his personality and grow in the knowledge of and build his relationship with God.

“Religion without morality will lead to disaster. Religion with morality leads to spirituality. If you are spiritual, you cannot hate any other person regardless of what they do.

Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, said his administration would continue to prioritise education, saying education remained the key to societal growth

Akeredolu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu disclosed that the state government had prioritized education in the state, charged the people of the state to support the government in its efforts to develop education in the state.

Also speaking, the daughter of the late Chief Imam, Dr Munirat Ogunlayi, explained that the library was built as part of the family’s efforts to contribute to the development of the society

“Our dream is for the library to be a reference library in Ondo State if not in Nigeria. We’ll like to implore and work with the school and the Ministry of Education on proper management including deploying a professional Librarian to handle the proper management of the Library and instituting a system of conducting an annual audits to ensure books and items are always in place.

“Accountability was a great quality of the industrious and hardworking sages we are all celebrating today they only eat from the sweats of their labour, and we look forward to the stakeholders at all levels working with us to sustain my father’s legacy when it comes to accountability.”

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Aregbesola decries decline interest in reading culture, use of library