Ex-Police Chief ojukwu Decries Poor Reading Culture

A former commissioner of police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Emmanuel Ojukwu (rtd.), has urged lawmakers at both federal and state levels to prioritise the construction of libraries and academic facilities as part of their constituency projects to promote knowledge development at the grassroots.

Ojukwu made the call yesterday in Abuja while addressing journalists during the public presentation of two books, “Knocking Out” and “Varieties of Life”, authored by a legal practitioner  Charles Iwuchukwu.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining reading culture and appealed to legislators to place education at the centre of their developmental initiatives.

He criticised the trend where lawmakers focus heavily on roads, bridges, boreholes, water projects and sports facilities, while educational structures, especially libraries, are largely overlooked.

“Constituency projects should not be only about boreholes or public toilets,” he said. “Build a library for young students to go and read.

Many Nigerian authors have written quality books, and they will be useful there. Such legacies are not easily forgotten.”

The retired police chief also lamented the prolonged construction of the National Library, describing it as evidence of the low priority accorded to education and knowledge creation in the country.

As chairman of the book launch, Ojukwu praised Iwuchukwu for surmounting challenges to produce what he described as “capsules of knowledge.”

In his remarks, Iwuchukwu said ‘Knocking Out’ was inspired by the daily challenges people face and his desire to help them achieve happiness and fulfillment.

“The four-chapter book promotes Faith, Ability, Steadfastness and Time (FAST) as essential tools for overcoming obstacles and maintaining a positive outlook.”

On Varieties of Life, the author explained that the book focuses on the numerous choices available to individuals, urging young Nigerians to make wise decisions that will shape their future positively.

Iwuchukwu, a former Legal Adviser of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), FCT Chapter, encouraged readers to embrace positivity and deepen their faith in God as they navigate life’s complexities.

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