Nothing pushes the human mind faster into obscurity than aversion to reading. A society that’s losing holds on good reading culture can be said to be on a fast-track to ruins for reading is an essential soft tool that helps the mind to work at its best. To be fully aware of one’s self, surrounding, and the world at large, there’s need for one to be passionate towards acquiring knowledge through mindful reading.
There will be no better time than now that calls for redevelopment of reading culture in the minds of Nigerians because the lack of information, understanding, and enlightenment on vital issues are a big threat to national development and security. And, in Nigeria, critical observations of many academicians, have it that good reading habits are on a decline especially from the young adults.
Nigeria as a country is faced with devastating social problems that are rooted from tribalism, religious intolerance, opposing political views, extremism on different grounds etc. Aside these social problems that destabilize the public good, there are some underlying toxic behavioral traits that are foundational which also contribute to social problems, and these behavioral traits vary in a person from another. So, in order to curb and manage man’s excesses and toxic traits －the ones known and unknown to him, there’s a need for equipping his mind with beneficial information through reading so to enable him have sense of understanding and tolerance towards people from different tribes, religion and nationality, and also to have the mental ability to differentiate the good from the bad in his personal activities and choices.
Study has it that people who have decent habits towards reading are less likely abusive and violent.
The revival of the dying reading culture in Nigeria can be a possibility only when collective efforts are put in by concerned citizens to educate and enlighten their loved ones and close associates on the importance of reading. As they say, a journey of thousands miles begins with a step, it will be helpful and productive to start educating our circles about the peace-enabling effects of good reading habits.
To ensure their growth, encourage them to read books.
Musa Ummihani Onize
Writes from Okene, Kogi, State.
Musauumiize@gmail.com
