Amidst concerns over the decline in reading culture, the Edo State government has launched several initiatives to revive students’ interest in reading and improve literacy rates. One of the most significant steps taken is the opening of the 2nd Edo International Book and Arts Festival by Governor Godwin Obaseki. This festival, a highlight of Education Week, is aimed at celebrating and promoting the state’s rich literary and artistic heritage.
Running until June 8th, the festival features a diverse array of performances and activities designed to engage students and the broader community. Notable performances include those by renowned poet Nana Asaase, the writer known as the King who sips communion wine from the calabash, and South Africa’s award-winning Queen of Oral Poetry, Lebo Mashile. These performances are intended to inspire students and ignite a passion for literature and the arts.
The festival is led by Joan Osa-Oviawe, the Commissioner for Education, and serves as a platform to showcase the state’s achievements in nurturing young talent and fostering creative expression over the past eight years. Under Osa-Oviawe’s leadership, the festival underscores the importance of creativity and literacy in the state’s educational reforms.
Governor Obaseki, in his opening remarks, emphasized the festival’s role in highlighting the creativity of Edo citizens, noting the state’s historical significance as a cradle of ancient civilization. He stated, “The International Book and Arts Festival has become an annual tradition to celebrate the ingenuity of our creatives and the literacy reforms in our education sector.”
Obaseki reiterated the government’s commitment to education reform, ensuring that reading becomes a fundamental part of students’ lives from an early age. He pledged continued support for initiatives that foster a culture of reading and learning, aiming to cultivate a new generation of literate and informed citizens.
Through these efforts, the Edo State government hopes to reverse the declining reading culture and encourage students to develop a lifelong love for reading. The festival and other related initiatives are part of a broader strategy to improve literacy rates and educational outcomes, ensuring that Edo State remains a beacon of literary and artistic excellence.