Literary Experts Urge Youths To Embrace Discipline, Reading Culture

The unveiling of the book “When Tomorrow Beckons” in Yenagoa was not just about celebrating a new literary work, it became a rallying point for young people in Bayelsa and beyond to rediscover the values of discipline, reading, and cultural pride.

The event held at the Best Western Plus Hotel, Ox-bow Lake, brought together leaders, writers, educators, and book lovers who agreed that books still matter and are powerful tools for shaping lives and society.

The special guest of honour, Justice Patience Diri, wife of the Bayelsa State governor, said that the occasion was a reminder of the enduring value of literature, adding that the book had arrived at the right time for a society struggling to hold on to values that promote growth and excellence.

“When Tomorrow Beckons is a work that arrives at a timely moment for our society and those who care about ideas, culture and progress. I congratulate the author for the courage, discipline and generosity it takes to bring a manuscript from a quiet idea to a book we can hold and read,” Justice Diri said.

She further stressed the importance of books, which she described as treasures that outlive their authors and inspire new generations.

“Books are unique, they travel farther than their authors and they live longer than their first readers. They preserve memory, sharpen public debate and give young minds something worthy to aspire to,” she added.

She urged young students and educators to read widely and take lessons from works like, When Tomorrow Beckons. She emphasised that the book’s clarity and balance would be useful to literature scholars seeking deeper insight.

Ambassador Godknows Igali, who reinforced the cultural relevance of the book, noted that it explored the Ijaw identity and urged young people to embrace writing as a way to preserve their history.

“The book touches on the Ijaw identity and who we are as a people in the Niger Delta. Young people should turn to writing about their origin as a way to preserve our history,” he said.

The author, Dr Ebidenyefa Tarila-Nikade, explained that the unveiling served as a fundraising platform for Spelling Bee Bayelsa, a competition aimed at children in primary and secondary schools across the state.

“The Spelling Bee encourages children to develop an interest in mentally rewarding activities. We plan to give participants financial rewards, educational materials, and, if possible, scholarships,” she said.

She noted that the book was deliberately written to promote Ijaw culture, presenting the people’s cosmology, traditions, and values beyond the usual stories of oil and poverty.

“It is to tell the world that we are strong people with our norms, taboos, worldview, and rich cultural heritage. Our food, our dressing, everything is embedded in this work,” she said.

Dr Tarila-Nikade further advised young people, particularly upcoming writers, to manage their time wisely, balancing social media with meaningful reading and research.

“To carve a niche for yourself, you have to take time to engage in deep research in your area of interest and come out with something laudable that will be worthy of accolades. Consistent engagement with books remains the key to greatness,” she said.