The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to embrace literacy as a crucial tool for promoting national identity and fostering social cohesion.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, the Director General of the Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call in commemoration of the 2025 World Literacy Day.
The statement was signed by the Deputy Director of Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi.
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Issa-Onilu highlighted the transformative power of literacy in reducing poverty and advancing a more inclusive and equitable society.
He stated that literacy extends beyond the basic ability to read and write, serving as a “gateway to knowledge, innovation, and meaningful participation in the democratic process.”
The DG called on all Nigerians, including parents, teachers, community leaders, and civil society organisations, to view the advancement of literacy as a collective responsibility.
He encouraged children, youths, and adults to adopt reading and lifelong learning as habits.
Issa-Onilu also advocated for strengthening public and community libraries, describing them as vital centres for knowledge and civic engagement.
He stressed the importance of investing in digital literacy to prepare Nigerians for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Additionally, he called for support for initiatives aimed at removing barriers to education, particularly for women, girls, and other vulnerable populations.
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Issa-Onilu affirmed that the NOA would continue to utilise its nationwide network to raise awareness, mobilise support, and collaborate with stakeholders to promote literacy as a means of achieving social cohesion, national identity, and sustainable development.
“A literate Nigeria is a stronger Nigeria,” he urged citizens to make reading and learning a defining part of their culture.
