By Solomon OKPO
Uyo, The Head of Branch, National Library of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Helen Alfred Ebi, has called for increased government and corporate support to strengthen library services and promote reading culture among youths in the state.
Speaking in an exclusive interview 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.
“The office at Udotung Ubo is not conducive for effective service delivery,” she said. “We run free summer holiday lessons, readership programs, and public engagement activities, but sustaining these services without adequate state support has been a major challenge.”
Ebi disclosed that despite repeated letters and appeals to individuals, NGOs, and government offices, little assistance has been received. She said the branch is now considering using the Ministry of Education as a bridge to renew its appeals to the state government.
Highlighting the library’s initiatives, she noted that the Readership Promotion Campaign — an annual event covering all 31 local government areas of the state — has been sustained for three years with events held in Uyo, Ibesikpo, Abak, Ikot Ekpene, and most recently Uruan in 2023.
“These programs involve reading competitions, quizzes, awards, and public enlightenment,” she said. “But attendance and support from local governments have been very poor compared to what our colleagues in other states enjoy.”
On staff motivation, Ebi praised the dedication of federal workers in the branch, revealing that sometimes staff members contribute from their salaries to keep the branch operational.
She stressed that while the state government’s promise of continuous support remains largely unfulfilled beyond land and space allocation, the library remains hopeful for renewed intervention, especially in developing the allocated land.
In the meantime, the branch has relied on collaboration with the Nigerian Library Association, local publishers, and printers to sustain operations.
“Our loyalty to the profession and commitment to the National Library’s vision keep us going,” she affirmed, while appealing for stronger collaboration from both government and the private sector to advance education in Akwa Ibom.
