My evening with Uyo Book Club by Prof Charles Obot
Reading culture in Akwa Ibom State is being enhanced by the contributions of UYO BOOK CLUB.
Speaking during the June 2022 Session, the Guest Reader/Founder of Topfaith Schools and University, Mkpatak, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Dr Emmanuel T. Abraham stated that the future of any society is tied to sound and qualitative education.
He regretted that while society expects a lot from the younger generation, the adult population has made little investment in the provision of facilities that would afford the younger generation qualitative education.
Dr Abraham also read some sections of his autobiography entitled ‘The Early Hours of my Present Days’ which chronicles his humble beginning to the successful educationist he is now.
Also speaking, the University Librarian, Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof Felicia Etim lauded the Book Club Project in view of its enormous advantages including academic and personal intellectual development.
Prof Etim urged the initiator of the Book Club to mobilize more young people across the State to be part of the book reading revolution.
The Patron of Uyo Book Club and donor of the reading Hall within Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, Dr Ekong Sampson said that policies should drive politics and not the other way round, a situation he regretted is responsible for the deterioration of education and other sectors of Nigeria’s development.
Dr Sampson reiterated his lifetime commitment to supporting and promoting education in all its ramifications.
Other highlight of the session was the review of the book ‘The CRUMB EATERS’ which was brilliantly done by Ms Imaobong Okpon.
Some of the Guests who spoke at the session included Prof Joseph Ushie- Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo, Prof Charles Obot, Head; of Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, University of Uyo, Dr Arnold Udoaka- Department of Theater and Film Studies, University of Calabar, Dr Martins Akpan- a medical practitioner and author.
The Uyo Book Club which is a private initiative of Dr. Udeme Nana has inspired the formation of Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene, Eket Book Club, Abak Book Club, NCI Book Club, KidTeens Book Club and several other Book Clubs in the State.
The gesture is geared toward re-igniting the culture of reading and promoting reading as a social activity with a view to refining the sensibilities of people, as a non-political, non-ethnic, non-discriminatory, and free-for-all forum envisioned.
