Delta Govt Officials Advocate Reading Culture at Maiden Literary Festival

Top government officials in Delta State have thrown their weight behind efforts to revive reading culture among young Nigerians, as LightRay! Media officially launched its Project ECHO Chamber during the maiden Student Literary Festival in the state.

The event drew notable dignitaries, including the Delta State Head of Service and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, alongside education stakeholders, students, and literary enthusiasts. Also present was public affairs analyst and media personality, Chief Frank Umukoro, who lent his voice to the campaign for improved literacy and intellectual engagement among youths.

Project ECHO Chamber, an initiative of LightRay! Media, is designed to create safe and engaging spaces for students to read, think critically, and express themselves through literature, dialogue, and creative writing. The initiative is part of a broader push to counter declining reading habits in the digital age.

Speakers at the festival emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong reading culture as a foundation for academic excellence, innovation, and national development. They noted that while technology has increased access to information, it has also contributed to reduced attention spans and a decline in deep reading among young people.

The Delta State Head of Service highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives that promote literacy, urging students to embrace reading as a lifelong tool for personal and professional growth.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works encouraged partnerships between public institutions and private organizations like LightRay! to sustain such initiatives and expand their reach across the state.

In his remarks, Umukoro stressed the need for a cultural shift that prioritizes knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and informed dialogue, describing reading as “a gateway to empowerment and societal transformation.”

Students who attended the festival participated in book readings, literary discussions, spoken word performances, and interactive sessions aimed at sparking their interest in books and storytelling.

Organizers expressed optimism that Project ECHO Chamber would serve as a catalyst for a new generation of readers, writers, and thinkers in Delta State and beyond.