In an Exclusive Interview with Mrs. Helen Alfred Ebi, Head of Branch, National Library of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State in Uyo with The Evangelist newspaper, Ebi acknowledged that the Akwa Ibom State Government had provided a take-off space and allocated land for a prototype library building since the branch was established on November 1, 2020. However, she lamented that the branch has since been left largely on its own.
Q: How has the Akwa Ibom State Government’s support, or lack of it, affected the operations of the National Library branch?
A: To be fair, the Akwa Ibom State Government has made some contributions. They gave us a space to begin operations and allocated land for a prototype National Library building. That is commendable. However, since our establishment on November 1, 2020, we have been largely on our own. The current office at Udotung Ubo is not conducive enough for effective service delivery. We provide important services such as the free National Summer Holiday Lessons for children, readership programs, and public engagement, yet we are struggling without adequate state support. We need help to sustain these services for citizens.
Q: What innovative strategies or partnerships has your branch explored to bridge these gaps?
A: We have written several letters to individuals, government offices, and NGOs, seeking partnerships and support. Unfortunately, many of these efforts have not yielded results. We are planning to re-channel our appeals through the Ministry of Education, which should serve as the bridge to the state government. The essence of this interview is to reemphasize our call: whenever our correspondence reaches any office, it should be taken seriously, because we have much to impact in Akwa Ibom.
Q: Can you highlight some of the programmes you’ve undertaken despite these challenges?
A: For the past three years, we have organized the Readership Promotion Campaign, an annual program that cuts across the 31 local government areas. We’ve held events in Uyo, Ibesikpo, Abak, Ikot Ekpene, and most recently, Uruan in 2023. These events involve reading competitions, quizzes, awards, and public enlightenment. Sadly, despite massive publicity and official letters, attendance and support from local government councils have been very poor compared to what our colleagues in other states enjoy. This year, we hope another local government will step forward to host the 2025 campaign in October. We appeal for stronger collaboration and support to embrace education in Akwa Ibom.
Q: How do you motivate your staff under these difficult circumstances?
A: Our staff are federal workers, and their mandate is clear. They are committed because they are paid to serve. In fact, most times we use our salaries to keep the branch running. Loyalty to the profession and dedication to the National Library’s vision are what keep us going and because of poor funding at National level, National Library as a body cannot perform magic to keep up to expectations rather depending and expecting support from states and well meaning Nigerians through collaboration and partnerships to sustain our operations.
Q: Has the branch made any direct appeals to the state government for further support?
A: Yes, right from the establishment of the office, it was agreed that the state government would provide continuous support. Beyond giving us a space and land, we are yet to see that promise fulfilled. We intend to send a reminder soon, especially concerning the development of the allocated land. We are hopeful the state will respond positively.
Q: Without significant government support, how are you sustaining operations?
A: We rely on collaboration with the Nigerian Library Association (Akwa Ibom Chapter), as well as support from publishers and printers. We also pool resources among ourselves because we cannot abandon our profession. Regardless of challenges, we are committed to keeping the National Library alive in Akwa Ibom.
