Reading is a life-saving habit… Nigerians must embrace it, says education activist

Irene Okon, executive director of Lead-Out, says reading is a life-saving habit more Nigerians must embrace to foster personal and societal growth.

Okon addressed the audience during a student event commemorating the 2025 World Book and Copyright Day.

The event, which featured presentations and a book draw, was held on April 30 at the National Library in Yaba, Lagos.

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 argued that improved reading habits, particularly of product labels, could significantly reduce these numbers, especially in Africa.

Okon referenced a tragic incident in Kano on August 18, 2024, where a widow and five children died after consuming food prepared with expired flour.

“Reading things like 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 stressed the importance of reading for academic and professional success.

She cited UNICEF reports revealing that a significant percentage of Nigerian children struggle with basic reading skills.

One report states that 75% of children aged 7-14 cannot read a simple sentence.

This deficiency, she argued, contributes to the high rate of unemployment 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 don’t 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’ve learned. That’s what education should do.”

Okon’s organisation, Lead-Out, is a non-profit focused on improving education and literacy among public and low-income secondary school students.

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.