By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The National Library of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, in collaboration with the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), on Thursday, September 4, 2025, held the grand finale of the 2025 Summer Holiday Reading Fair at its premises on Udotung Ubo Street, Uyo.
The three-week programme, which began on August 18, was designed to meaningfully engage children and young adults during the long holiday while reviving the reading culture and equipping participants with life skills beyond the classroom.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Librarian Ezekiel Okon, described the fair as “an investment in the future of Akwa Ibom State,” stressing that the initiative nurtured confidence, creativity, teamwork, and digital literacy among participants.
The fair featured diverse activities, including read-aloud sessions, storytelling, book club discussions, public speaking training, computer appreciation and coding tutorials, arts and crafts, catering practicals, personal development lessons, and sports.
Participants were grouped according to age brackets—4–7 years, 8–13 years, and 13–17 years—to ensure tailored learning experiences.
A major highlight of the finale was the inauguration of The Golden Initiative Book Club by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, who also represented GIFA, the pet project of the state’s First Lady.
The Head of Branch, Lady Helen A. Ebi, applauded the support of parents, facilitators, and volunteers, noting that the collaboration with GIFA further broadened the programme’s reach and impact.
Awards and prizes were presented to outstanding participants, followed by a tour of exhibition stands showcasing students’ projects.
Parents and community stakeholders lauded the initiative, describing it as a productive way of keeping children positively engaged during the holidays while instilling literacy and character-building values.
The event ended with goodwill messages, group photographs, and light refreshments.
