Don advocates early exposure of children to reading

In commemoration of World Book Day, a scholar, Prof. Bosede Adimula-Afolayan, has sensitised students to the need to develop a book reading habit, early in life even as she reviewed her book, ‘Once Upon An Elephant.’

Afolayan who was a guest at an event organised by Caleb International College, Magodo, Lagos, spoke on the importance of schools exposing their students to the merits of reading books and literary materials.

A Sunday statement by the organisers stated that there was a review of the book at the event attended by students from six secondary schools.

Afolayan stated that the book, which is a play, was inspired by other plays by male authors who portrayed women as vulnerable and sex objects.

The professor of comparative drama from the University of  Lagos added that it was essential for schools to develop the potential of students in arts and literature as this will engender a good and responsive society.

She also urged that women should stand up to be regarded as the era of being relegated to the kitchen is gone.

“The girl child should be encouraged just like the boy child. They should not be relegated to the background as both the male and female are equal before God,” she said.

The Principal, Caleb International College (Senior School), Omoluabi-Okechuwu, stated that the celebration of ‘World Book Day’ by the school was in tandem with the policy of the institution to promote excellence in different facets of education.

World Book Day is celebrated on April 23 each year.

This date was chosen because it’s the anniversary of the death of famous authors William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.

However, in many countries, World Book Day is observed on a different date, like the first Thursday in March in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The UK observed World Book Day this year on Thursday, March 6, 2025.