Foundation marks World Book Day

The Alice Ajisafe Foundation has rewarded young readers in Ekiti State as part of activities marking the 2026 World Book Day, in a bid to promote literacy and revive reading culture among children.

The event, held at the Dzuels Foundation Library in Ijero Ekiti on Thursday, attracted more than 150 students who participated in a week-long reading challenge, culminating in the Alice Ajisafe Award for Intellectual Curiosity.

Organisers said the initiative, established in 2022, aimed to encourage voluntary reading and promote intellectual curiosity among young people, especially at a time when digital consumption is increasingly replacing long-form reading.

Unlike traditional academic prizes, the award assessed participants based on the number of books read, comprehension, and demonstrated curiosity rather than examination performance.

Students competed across four categories: junior elementary, senior elementary, junior secondary, and senior secondary levels.

In the senior secondary category, Afolabi Inioluwa Oluwatosin emerged winner after reading 13 books, while Daramola Precious Oluwanifemi led the junior secondary group with 14 books.

Victor Godwin and Akinwale Juliet won the senior and junior elementary categories with 11 and 12 books respectively.

Each winner received a plaque, a selection of books and a cash prize of N50,000, while other participants were also given books and gifts. Organisers emphasised inclusivity and the need to foster a shared reading culture.

Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Programme Manager, Aina Omotola, said the initiative was built on the belief in the power of the human mind.

“The most powerful force in the world is not wealth or status, but the human mind, especially one that is curious, searching, and unwilling to settle for easy answers,” she said.

Omotola added that reading should go beyond academic success, noting that it plays a vital role in shaping perspectives and expanding opportunities.

“Reading is not just about passing exams; it is about exposure. It opens your mind and helps you see possibilities beyond your current environment,” she added.

The Administrator of Dzuels Foundation Library, Tolulope Folorunso, said the challenge had led to noticeable behavioural changes among participants, particularly in discipline and consistency.

Also speaking, an educationist, Kehinde Oluwarotimi, urged students to pursue knowledge with depth and intentionality, in line with this year’s World Book Day theme, “Go All In.”