The Deputy Managing Director, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Apollos Ikpobe, has urged pupils to cultivate the habit of reading books regularly.
He made the appeal in Lagos while addressing pupils of the African Church Model College and Sonmori Comprehensive High School, Ifako-Ijaiye on Monday.
He spoke during the inauguration of UBA Foundation’s ‘Read Africa’ initiative.
The initiative, in which the foundation donates African literary classics to pupils, aims at rekindling the reading culture in youths.
Ikpobe, who read to the pupils’ excerpts from Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, advised them to focus on their studies and aspire for greatness.
He said, “Reading fuels one’s imagination and it is essential for academic development. So, I want to advise you to read at least one book every month.
“It is very essential for you to read because it is from reading that you get ideas and principles to move forward in life. The more you read, the more you broaden your horizon and be able to communicate.”
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ijeoma Aso, also said, “Reading is the most fundamental skill a person could acquire.”
She, therefore, urged them to take advantage of the initiative to widen their vision and enhance their knowledge.
