Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, has stated that though the adult literacy rate in Nigeria is about 62 per cent, the country is among the few in the continent to have produced a Nobel laureate in literature.
He stated this at the 10th anniversary of Classic FM Book On Review with Benji in Lagos with the theme “Literacy: The Needed Disruption For Social Change” an event with a relationship with books, authors and readers.
The Irish envoy who was represented by the chair, Friends of Ireland in Nigeria, Alice Dina asserted that the path to the successes recorded in the literary space in Nigeria has been paved with the positive literary community of writers, poets, readers and enthusiasts at the event.
He stated, “The attainment of a 10th anniversary of reviewing different books every week is a remarkable feat and all that has a positive contribution to the literary space in Nigeria.
“This is a space that is thriving and continues to grow. Nigeria’s landscape is dynamic and evolving and connects traditional African narratives with contemporary global concerns.”
He buttressed that Nigerian writers have created a profound legacy of powerful insight into the human condition while addressing urgent social and political issues, saying their work continues to resonate globally making Nigeria a key player in the world of literature.
He stated, “Like Ireland, Nigeria has a long literary tradition of storytelling and I am encouraged by the effort of Classic FM and Books on Review, a tribute to Nigeria’s Literary development and skills.”
In his remark, the event convener and On-Air-Personality, Benjamin Okoh, programme anchor of Book On Review With Benji, noted that the programme was borne out of the desire to reach listeners and lovers of writing and reading books and shape the minds of future writers.
He said, “A nation that cannot read cannot develop” is dedicated to fostering literacy and education while aiming to create a well-informed and literate society. Our Vision is to entrench a healthy reading culture, support educational initiatives and drive social change through the power of literature.”
