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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kaduna State Chapter, has encouraged children at the Adonai Orphanage and Widow Centre, Kaduna, to cultivate the habit of reading, describing books as powerful tools for knowledge, personal development and understanding the world.
The association gave the charge during a visit to the centre, where it also presented books and drinks to the orphanage and interacted with the children.
The visit was in line with the 2026 ANA/Yusuf Ali Readership Campaign, with the theme: “Empowerment Through Reading.”
Speaking on behalf of the ANA Kaduna State chairman, Mr. Akuh Ogah, the immediate past chairman of the association, Mr. Stephen Adinoyi, said the visit was aimed at encouraging the children to read and appreciate the importance of books.
He explained that reading exposes people to places, cultures and historical events they may never physically experience.
“Where your leg cannot take you to, you read it in books,” he told the children.
Using the Second World War as an example, he said books had enabled him to understand events that took place long before he was born.
“I was not even born then. But if I tell you about World War, you will think I was even there, I was one of the soldiers.
“Why, how did I know? Books that I read.”
He also explained that reading could help children understand the cultures and traditions of different ethnic groups, citing Nigerian literary classics such as Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God.
“If you want to know more about the Yoruba culture, if you read some books by Wole Soyinka, you will know about Yoruba culture,” he said.
“If you want to know about the Igbo culture, even if you are not Igbo, read Things Fall Apart. Read Arrow of God. You will see, you will understand one thing about them. You will understand their mannerisms.”
He further urged the children to see reading as an exercise that prepares the mind, particularly for academic examinations.
“Reading is like exercise. It prepares you,” he said, stressing that regular reading makes the brain sharper and helps students remain mentally prepared.
He added: “Readers are future leaders.”
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According to him, reading does not only benefit society but also protects individuals from ignorance and manipulation.
“When you read, you are not just doing something for the society, you are doing something for yourself. You can’t be ignorant if you are reading. Nobody can deceive you easily,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to teach the children the distinction between a writer and an author, explaining that while writers produce written works, authors are generally understood in the context of having written and published their works.
To encourage participation, he offered a book to any child who could define reading, prompting some of the children to offer their own definitions.
One of the students described reading as “impacting knowledge to yourself,” while another said it was “like when you are studying.”
The interaction also featured a discussion on the popular Nigerian children’s literary classic, ‘Eze Goes to School.’ When Adinoyi asked the children who wrote the book, they could not immediately provide the answer, leading him to introduce them to its author, Onuora Nzekwu.
Responding to the visit, Dr. Elizabeth Afuwape, the mother in charge of Adonai Orphanage and Widow Centre, Kaduna and Lagos, expressed appreciation to ANA Kaduna for visiting the centre and encouraging the children to read.
Afuwape, who said she personally enjoys reading, said the visit had reinforced her belief that learning should continue regardless of age.
“I am very happy for your visit to Adonai orphanage and widow Centre, Kaduna,” she said.
She added: “In what age can we stop reading? I’m just 76. I can still learn to read well.”
The centre’s head also urged ANA not to be discouraged in its humanitarian efforts but to continue doing good.
“My message to ANA is that they should not be discouraged, they should continue in doing good things,” she said, citing the biblical injunction to care for orphans and the needy.
“For you to consider the needy and come and enlighten us on how to read and write, I pray that God Almighty will reward ANA,” she added.
She disclosed her love for books and jokingly expressed interest in becoming a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors.
“Ah, I’ll like to be a member because I like to read,” she said.
The visit featured the presentation of books and drinks to the Centre, with ANA members also engaging the children in an interactive session on reading, literature and the importance of education.
