Okunnu donates books to Public Schools' Libraries in Lagos State

Alhaji Femi Okunnu, a legal luminary and a former federal Commissioner for Works recently donated three sets of books he published to the Lagos State Government for distribution to all public schools’ libraries as well as local government and council development areas. According to Okunnu, he decided to donate the books to rekindle the reading culture among Nigerians particularly the youths.

He recalled that in his youthful days, students were always eager to read newspapers and novels from notable Authors like Shakespeare, Charles Dickens among others. He did not forget how they frequent public libraries situated in strategic areas in Lagos such as the Central Library at Customs Street and Tom Jones Library on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street to read novels, magazines and other relevant materials. He charged eminent Nigerians and decision makers to ensure that Nigerians imbibe the reading culture once again.

The books, Engaging with History, a collection of his speeches, essays and articles published in Newspapers, Contemporary State Land Matters in Nigeria and Femi Okunnu in the Service of the Nation, an autobiography were received on behalf of the State Government by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye with her colleague in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ademorin Kuye.

They expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to Alhaji Okunnu and promised to ensure the appropriate distribution of the books.

In her remarks, Oladunjoye noted that reading culture has indeed dwindled in the society adding that the gesture by Alhaji Okunnu will go a long way in resuscitating the culture particularly among the youths. She added that the State Government is not relenting in encouraging students to imbibe the culture through various programmes and activities such as the evening prep, Schools debate, BRF Quiz among others.