Executive Director of Lead-Out Irene Okon has called on Nigerians to embrace reading as a life-saving habit that can drive personal and national progress.
Lead-Out is a non-profit focused on improving education and literacy among public and low-income secondary school students.
While speaking at a student-focused event, she called to mark the 2025 World Book and Copyright Day.
The event, held on April 30 at the National Library in Yaba, Lagos, featured engaging presentations and a book raffle draw for participants.
Okon highlighted statistics from the World Health Organisation, which indicate that an estimated 600 million ill people and 420,000 deaths annually result from consuming contaminated food.
She maintained that improved reading habits, particularly of product labels, could significantly reduce these numbers, especially in Africa.
Okon cited a tragic case in Kano on August 18, 2024, where a widow and her five children lost their lives after eating a meal made with expired flour.
“Reading product labels, notices, and directions can save your life. Develop a habit of reading consistently—your life may depend on it,” she urged.
Beyond personal safety, Okon emphasised the importance of reading for academic and professional success.
She referenced UNICEF reports revealing that many Nigerian children struggle with basic reading skills.
One report states that 75% of children aged 7-14 cannot read a simple sentence.
She argued that This deficiency contributes to the high unemployment rate among Nigerian graduates.
Okon pointed out that many graduates struggle to write proper application letters and exhibit poor grammar, a trend often observed on social media.
She referenced uninformed online rants to illustrate the consequences of poor reading habits.
“If you do not read, you risk becoming one of those unemployable graduates,” Okon warned.
“Read until you can apply knowledge, transfer knowledge, and create value with what you have learned. That is what education should do.”
In the professional realm, the education advocate emphasised that continuous learning through reading is essential for staying relevant.
She shared that she stays informed on the social sector through webinars on local philanthropy and community fundraising.
Okon noted that professionals in all fields, from hairstylists to tech experts, must evolve by learning new trends.
She stated that books offer invaluable resources for personal growth and career changes.
“Whenever you feel stuck, the knowledge you need to move ahead will always be available in a book,” she added, encouraging individuals to explore books on various topics, from business to relationships.
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