ZODML, Book Aid International and National Library of Nigeria Celebrate ILD 2024
By Lenient Amidu
Every year since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) has been celebrated on 8 September around the world. This year, ILD was celebrated under the theme of "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace."
According to Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO in a message on the occasion, “The benefits of multilingual education are well documented and evidenced by research. When children are offered education in their household language, more of them attend school, girls from rural areas stay in education longer, and all children acquire better thinking skills. Multilingual education also supports intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, and peace. Language is a passport to communication with others: it connects us across cultures; it opens us to new ways of perceiving and interpreting the world; it strengthens understanding within and between peoples."
Children learn to read and write most effectively in their native language, which is why literacy education should start in their mother tongue. Introducing a new language too early can create significant barriers to literacy. This issue was highlighted during the global celebration of International Literacy Day, held September 9-10, 2024, in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Whilst global celebrations were on, ILD was commemorated in an event held at the National Library Annex in Lagos, Nigeria on September 17th, 2024. The event was moved forward to ensure that students were in attendance. This event was made possible through the efforts of ZODML in partnership with Book Aid International (BAI) and the National Library Nigeria (NLN), Lagos State branch to promote literacy and education.
In attendance were the National Librarian/CEO of NLN, Prof. Veronica Chinwe Anunobi, Deputy Director and Head of NLN Lagos State branch, Mrs. Obianuju Onuorah, renowned environmentalist Chief Newton Jibunoh, Ms. Ego Mbagwu, Co-founder ZODML and the Chairperson of ZODML, Mrs. Ifeoma Esiri, pupils and students from primary and secondary schools in Yaba, and, other dignified guests.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Esiri expressed the need for Nigerian children to read and write in their local language as language is a vital aspect of culture.
“It’s a pity that a lot of our children cannot speak their native language fluently, some can't speak it at all.”
She commented on the success of Late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s book written in Hausa emphasizing that promoting literacy through the use of indigenous languages in learning calls for synergistic efforts from the government and parents and that literacy is a conscious effort to be a reader, be a writer and use that to understand your environment, your heritage and your community.
This was also reiterated by Chief Newton Jibunoh who encouraged the students to work hard and be focused on their goals as literacy is more than just being educated.
National Librarian, Prof. Anunobi stated the need for the government to make efforts to promote literacy as the Sustainable Development Goals have literacy tied to them. She equally encouraged parents to teach children their native languages as boosting Nigeria’s literacy level above 62% requires intentional actions.
It was overall a wonderful event. Media publications about the event were released across the country.
In the words of Mrs. Esiri, “Children being able to read and write in their local languages brings about understanding among the various tribes, and the more we understand each other, the more tolerant we will be and the more tolerant we are, the more peaceful we will live.”
