By Aniefiok Christopher
Young minds in Akwa Ibom State have been charged to embark on intensive reading and writings that will propel them to becoming Nigeria’s future leaders.
Book enthusiasts and scholars handed down the charge to students from selected secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State during a special reading session organised by the Uyo Book Club that marked the 2025 Children’s Day at the weekend.
Dr Udeme Nana, a Chief lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua in Ikot Ekpene, said the essence of the event was to assemble the students with the intention to network with them about their potentials and what the future holds for them.
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Dr. Nana stated that the May reading session centred on the Steps, Strides and Glides of Dr Ini Usoro, an auto-biography of a retired Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency who had put in about 40 years of practical experience as an engineer.
The progenitor of Uyo Book Club observed that during the session, the children would be exposed to healthy tips on how to develop self confidence, imbibe good reading culture as well as uncover their hidden talents.
The prolific writer said he is happy that the Book Club that started with a few members 10 years ago has already grown into a movement with over 400 members who are re-awakening the reading culture and refine the sensibilities of the people, pointing out that a population of people with refined sensibilities are easier to govern.
He thanked the State Government for building model schools, but requested that the government should also include reading halls and as well reactivate the State’s e-Library, saying ”Schools should adopt the Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) moment by setting aside at least one hour on the timetable for reading.
Dr. Nana stressed that such a strategy would promote focus, concentration, comprehension and critical thinking apart from serving as a brain exercise for the students.
Speaking, Dr Ini Usoro, the author of the book, and a engineer for 39 years, said the memoir is a testament to the power of determination, resilience and the unwavering spirit that propels one to greatness.
The fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers beckoned on the students to reflect on the significance of familial bonds and the influence of education, and the rewarding journey of her self-discovery.
Dr. Usoro expressed optimism that through the lens of my experiences, the students would find inspiration to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and emerge victorious in the face of any adversity.
The past President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria in the 15 chapters of the 164 page book explained how she embarked on an extraordinary journey through the pages of “Steps, Strides and Glides’’ of her life, making it a captivating and inspiring memoir tracing her extraordinary life.
The Strides, from her humble beginning, shaped by the guiding hands of her parents and the conscientiousness of Christianity, took on readers, a poignant exploration of her life that evolved from modest steps to triumphant strides till now when she gracefully glides through life with her family, siblings and friends who have always regarded her as a natural-born leader.
According to her, the future is not shaped by chances, but by the decision that one makes as she called on the students to intentionally inform themselves about what they want to become in the future, adding that she has taken it about herself to mentor them to become successful leaders of tomorrow.
Presenting the book, Mrs Stella Edemekong said the memoir could serve as a guide for parenting, manage career, character building and healthy living.
Edemekong also explained that the book is a non-fiction crisp and lyrical in details, where Ini Usoro shared her life experiences, her family and her upbringing, stressing that it is rich enough for all.
Professor Effiong Johnson, an erudite scholar of Theatre, Film and Communication Studies at the University of Uyo, who was the book reviewer when it was launched in Uyo explained that the book promises to give the reader “a pocket full of workable principles of life” as he recommends the book to all
Johnson noted that core values promoting life’s successes are themed and practically nuanced in the book.
He, therefore, challenged the students to write about politics among interesting topics in Nigeria, adding that the students have what it takes now to dream and attain great heights in life.
Prof Folari Alonge, Dean Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Abom Tony Esuh and Senator Ekong Sampson in their separate remarks, applauded the founder and members of Uyo Book Club for the initiative to inculcate good reading culture and writing skills aimed at sharpening the intellectual prowess of the children, with the view to grooming them to becoming better persons in the society.
Equally present at the Book Chat were Dr. Unyime Udoumo, Mrs Marigold Udeme Nana, wife of the Founder of the Book Club, students from Air Force Secondary School, Okop Ndua Erong in Ibesikpo-Asutan; students from Tower of Ivory Schools, Ediene Abak; students of Community Secondary School, Aka Offot in Uyo, students from Cornelly Cornellia College, Uyo, among others.
High point of the Book Chat was the investiture of Dr Ini Usoro as a Fellow of the Uyo Book Club.
