The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has commended Lady Ejiro Umukoro for organizing the inaugural World Book Day Festival 2026 in Asaba, describing the initiative as a laudable step toward promoting literacy and strengthening reading culture among residents of the state.
Dr. Oseji, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, said the festival was both enlightening and impactful, noting that reading remains a vital tool for knowledge acquisition, intellectual growth, and personal development.
She emphasized that literature has the capacity to challenge perspectives, inspire creativity, and encourage critical thinking.
According to her, initiatives that promote reading culture are essential in shaping informed and responsible citizens.
The Head of Service therefore urged participants and young people in particular to cultivate the habit of reading and to serve as advocates for literacy within their communities.
In his goodwill message, the guest speaker and Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Smart Edoge, also praised Lady Umukoro for spearheading the initiative. He noted that the festival provided a platform for meaningful engagement on issues affecting society.
Edoge particularly highlighted the themes of mental health and stigmatization explored in the book Distortion, stressing that conversations around such subjects are important for raising awareness and promoting empathy in society.
Other speakers at the event, including the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay; President of the Asaba Literacy and Reading Club, Dr. Gabriel Okonji; Dr. Omena Egedi; Chief (Mrs.) Theresa Allanah; and Mr. Uche Egbuche, also encouraged Deltans to embrace reading as a lifelong habit.
They noted that reading not only enhances personal and intellectual development but also promotes independent thinking and informed decision-making.
In her keynote address, the organizer of the festival, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for her encouragement and support, as well as to the Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and other speakers whose contributions helped make the event successful.
She stressed the importance of strengthening reading culture in the state and called for the establishment of more functional libraries and additional book clubs to encourage reading among children, youths, and adults.
The event also featured spoken word poetry performances by Unumeri Success of Patricia Group of Schools and Onajite Prosper of Westend Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.
Highlights of the festival included the official launch of the book Distortion, which explores issues relating to mental health and social stigmatization.
