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As part of activities to mark the 2026 International Literacy Day, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Ox-Bow Marino Deck, has inaugurated a Reading Club at the Comprehensive Community Secondary School, Yenizue- Gene/ Biogbolo, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Capoon of Ox- Bow Marino Deck, Timiebi Binafeigha, had also led members to Tarakiri Community Secondary School, Ayama-Ijaw, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where subject textbooks and school bags were given to students, and a Reading Club was also established.
Speaking at the 2026 International Literacy Day, with the theme: Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity, held at the school premises, Binefeigha stated that literacy had evolved beyond being unlettered.
According to him, young people need to acquire knowledge and skills that would enable them to adapt to the changing world.
He pointed out that NAS/PC was using the event to encourage students to develop a reading culture which would complement their academic success.
Binafeigha disclosed that the idea behind the reading club was to make reading a regular activity among the students and encourage them to develop an interest in books outside their prescribed textbooks.
“If we train the students to read today, they will do well in the future. Literacy, as we know it, is not only about reading and writing. It has gone beyond that to include sustainability of the planet, information and communication technology, and other areas of knowledge.
“If you pick that interest in reading and have a reading culture, it will help you to read your normal Physics, Chemistry and Biology textbooks.”
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Binafeigha implored government, corporate bodies and well-spirited organisations to support initiatives aimed at improving literacy and restoring the reading culture among young Nigerians.
“We are here to encourage these young ones that education is key. That is why we are here today,” he added.
The school principal, Mr Court Ogbuseri, represented by the Senior Tutor, Grace Obiyai, commended NAS for the initiative, saying the organisation’s engagement with the students had provided practical lessons beyond conventional classroom teaching.
Obiyai urged the students to apply the lessons from the programme to their academic and personal development.
The Senior Prefect of the school and newly inaugurated president of the Reading Club, Miss Celine Tulagha, commended NAS for the initiative, stressing that it is an opportunity that would contribute to the students’ academic growth.
“I feel honoured and privileged. I believe this club will help us in our academic pursuit, and we are grateful to NAS for this gesture and opportunity. We promise to make the best of it,” she said.
The programme featured the inauguration of the reading club, a book-reading session, talks with the students, a quiz, and the presentation of school bags, textbooks, and reading materials to students and the newly established club.
