The maiden edition of the World Book Day Festival in Delta State was officially launched in Asaba on March 6, 2026. At the event, renowned author Lady Ejiro Umukoro called for the urgent revitalization of libraries across Nigeria as a way to strengthen reading habits among young people.
While delivering the keynote address, Umukoro emphasized the need to reignite young Nigerians’ interest in reading. She noted that libraries play a vital role in knowledge acquisition and intellectual development, urging youths to develop a consistent reading culture. According to her, reading is essential not only for personal growth but also for the overall development of the nation.
The festival attracted students, book lovers, and key stakeholders in the literary community, marking an important addition to Delta State’s literary events. It celebrated the value of books, learning, and the role literature plays in society.
In their goodwill messages, Dr. Omena Egedi and Chief Mrs. Theresa Allanah described the festival as a significant initiative that would help boost literary growth in the state. They expressed optimism that the event along with other competitions and literary activities planned around it would become a lasting tradition in Delta State. They also commended Lady Umukoro for her dedication to advancing education and her efforts in supporting and empowering the girl child.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Wilson Chukwuka highlighted the importance of reading in human development. Chukwuka described reading as one of the most effective ways of gaining knowledge and warned that neglecting it could lead to ignorance.
The festival includes several activities aimed at encouraging creativity and literary engagement among young people. These include writing competitions, book clubs, workshops, and mentorship sessions for students and aspiring writers.
Organizers also announced that participants in the various competitions would compete for prizes worth over ₦500,000.Lady Umukoro, known for her insightful and thought-provoking literary works, also spoke about the power of literature to shape minds, inspire creativity, and build resilience among young people. Her bestselling novel Distortion has been adopted by the Delta State Ministry of Education as a recommended text for students, further supporting the festival’s goal of promoting reading and strengthening literary culture in the state.
