Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, reaffirmed its commitment to transform and turns the Libraries in the State into a well – structured, modern, internet – driven Resort Centre of International Standards, that will accommodates all categories of users of the facilities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, who represented the Governor on behalf of his Commissioner, made this known on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at this year’s edition of International World Book Day, organized by the Lagos State Library Board, held in a multi – purpose hall at the Old Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo – Olu said that his administration’s aim is to move all the 13 Libraries in the State from traditional library to modern, internet – driven library, which will consists of Conference areas, training rooms, discussion rooms – where readers will engage other on various topical issues; Newspapers and Magazines Section so as to enhance the current affairs knowledge of the users.And be abreast with happenings across the World.
He said: “That’s why we are not just building a library, we are building a resort centre, because the government is fully committed in realizing this objectives. And its in line with third leg of the THEME+ Agenda: Education and Technology. That is why the government is considering transforming and turning the Oyingbo Library into modern day, internet – driven Resort Centre.
We are also working silently to guide the library users, where to go, the the various educational sites to go, and the table to go concerning the items they want.
The Governor noted that the International World Book Day inline with this year’s theme: “Reading for Pleasure,” is set aside in the Calendar of the United Nations, to celebrate, recognise, specifically to create awareness, thereby moving away from awareness to consciousness, which enables the world to constantly read, so as to move away from level of ignorance.
The Day, he said is more important, as the 21st Century is about about knowledge – driven, with three parameters to operate upon, which are learning, unlearning, and relearning. This is the only way the students can consult, familiar with books to read, which will assist in improving their reading culture.
“Reading books with different titles, will impact you, have influence on you, influence your thoughts and raise your consciousness.”
In conclusion, Governor Sanwo – Olu acknowledged all the distinguished Librarians, resource person present at event, most importantly, all those who are manning the 13 Libraries in the State, especially, in some important professional library, such as that of the Ministry of Justice, which made it possible for lawyers using the facility, to read extensively, carry out research on various topics before going for the day’s proceedings at the Court.
He also acknowledged the efforts, hardwork, steadfastness, and contributions of the former Director, Lagos State Library Board, Mr. Oyadipe, for laying a solid foundation and enduring platform for his successor, the Acting Director, Mrs Oyenike to thrive and perform her task assiduously in a conducive atmosphere. He finally thanks the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Pius Olatunji Olaojo for a well delivered paper and his brilliant presentations, which he said has impacted all the students that are present at the event.
in her address of welcome, the Acting Director, Lagos State Library Board, Mrs. Sofuye Oyenike, speaking on the year’s theme: “Reading for Pleasure” calls on all stakeholders to rekindle, the reading culture among the youths, by making the homes to come alive with exciting stories that will linger in the mind forever.
The Acting Director, disclosed that their Mandate is to provide access to books, nurture the habit of reading and this is the reason why we championed Thirteen ( 13) functional libraries across the State. The libraries are well – equipped with modern day facilities.
She commended and appreciates Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, the Permanent Secretary for the huge investment for the effective day to day running of the Lagos State Library Board. And also thanked them so much, because without their support and approval to organize this laudable programme used in promoting the reading culture among the students in particular and Lagosians in general, wouldn’t have been possible.
Delivering his lecture, theme: Reading for Pleasure Dr. Pius Olatunji Olaojo, of the Department of Library Activities, University of Ibadan, said: Reading for Pleasure is among many types of reading. It is not reading for leisure in a library that will makes the readers or users of library leaders of tomorrow.
“Yesterday readers are leaders of today. If you continue to read, you will be relevant all the time.
“Reading for Pleasure is fascinating and essential skills to open the doors to broader knowledge, imagination and personal growth. It may not necessary or directly enrich your academic performance, but in a way it will have some effect.
Dr. Olaojo, disclosed that Reading for Pleasure is also knows as leisure, is when you read during your leisure period, when nobody is visiting you. Also when you are not writing for any exams: just want to read to fill the vacuum of free period that you have, it could be 1 to 3 hours, particularly when you enjoy what you are reading, you are tempted to read over and over again to satisfy your inner most.
He said that Reading for Pleasure can also be used as a Physiotherapy, which is using reading various books titles to cure certain problem or certain defect in an individual.
Physiotherapy can be recommended for those who finds it difficult to sleep, it is advised that such people can look for a literature they love so most to read, before you read two to three paragraphs, you sleep off. That means you have been able to used that method to solve that problem.
The highlights of the event was the Performances, Renditions and Reading from the students from the 12 Public Secondary Schools across the Six Educational Districts in Lagos State.
The various representatives of this school performed different acts with courage and dexterity to the admirations of the audience. At the end of various acts, they were presented with branded bags and books for their schools libraries.
