By Sharon Akuboh
In an outstanding display of academic excellence,the Junior Secondary School,Apo Resettlement has emerged as the overall winner in the Annual inter- school quiz competition put together by the National Library of Nigeria, FCT Branch.
The colourful event with the theme ‘ Reading without Boundaries: A Renewed Hope ‘ was aimed at imbibing the reading culture at an early age.
Representative of the National Librarian and CEO,Mrs Rachel Naboh , Deputy Director of Public Services Division said the Reading Promotion Competition is a strategic policy aimed at stimulating a strong reading culture across Nigeria particularly among Students.
She urged the students to overcome distractions and cultivate effective reading habits noting that this will foster creativity, emotional intelligence and National Development.
Also speaking at the occasion, Mrs Oye O. M ,the Head of the Branch stressed the importance of reading as a lifelong activity and to encourage students to embrace it as a tool for continuous learning and personal development.
According to her, reading culture will help them to create interest in reading, understand what they read,able to write and speak while building lasting confidence in them.
In her Pep talk and advice, Prof Doris Obiaji and Alhaji Lawal Umaru said, Reading is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and success. It’s like opening a door to endless opportunities, knowledge, and new perspectives.
They highlighted the benefits of reading which helps one to travel to distant places, experience different cultures, and dive into the minds of great thinkers all from the comfort of your own space.
According to them, reading sharpens critical thinking, boosts creativity, and enhances focus. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or articles on your field of interest, every page you turn is an investment in yourself. So, make it a habit. Pick up a book, dive into its pages, and watch how it transforms not just your mind but also your life. Keep reading, and keep growing!
The event, which saw participation from nine schools across the FCT, featured three major competitions: a Read Competition based on the anchor text “Things Fall Apart”, impromptu speeches, and DEARS (Drop Everything and Read Sessions).
The campaign highlighted the importance of fostering a reading culture among students and provided a platform for intellectual growth and self-expression.
After which the Best School and Student namely Miss Emmanuella Munachiso from Junior Secondary School, Apo Resettlement secured the the Star Prize of first position with a remarkable score of 85 points and the sum of twenty thousand given to her by Barrister Kennedy Okara for her outstanding performance while Master Osigwe Nweke from Junior Secondary School, Area 11 got 76 points to emerge second place and Master David Agure clinched the third position from Junior Secondary School, Zone 3 with 74 points.
Other Special Recognition include
Students from the Special Education Center receive books and other learning materials during the event.
In addition, every participating school was presented with a wealth of current information materials to boost their school libraries and
learning materials were also provided to support the newly established Literacy Center in Sauka Village, housed within the Palace Hall.
Expressing her delight,the Principal of the Star Prize School, Junior Secondary School,Apo Resettlement,Mrs Victoria Nwaorgu said,
it is an exciting moment for the school for bringing glory to the school. She commended the organizers and the Ubeb Management for ensuring the remarkable participation of the Schools and Students noting that the act of reading early helps to eliminate every form of fear, intimidation and examinations malpractice as well as inculcate do it yourself spirit assuring that this reading efforts will be sustained.
The event was well attended by dignitaries across the FCT and Education Sector.