In its commitment to encourage young Nigerians to retain the habit of reading, the Total Exploration and Producing Nigeria (TEPNG) has organised a Book Reading for secondary schools within and around Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Managing Director, TEPN, Port Harcourt District, Mr Nicolas Brunet said the company is committed to the promotion of human capital development through scholarship schemes, Book Reading and Open Day events.

Stressing that the firm has championed youth development in action, the Deputy Managing Director said sustainable development of youths in both its host communities and operational areas has formed the pivot of Total’s Corporate Social Responsibility Capacity building programmes and commended the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the University of Port Harcourt for their huge partnership which contributed to the success of the event.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Barr Minabelem Michael-West, nothing best symbolizes the school more than books and stressed the need for every government to give special attention to education.
In his words “Books are veritable tools of education. That is why Rivers State Government made huge effort in providing libraries especially in the new schools’’ he semphasised that apart from being the hub of oil and gas, the state is also the hot bed of literary activities with Port Harcourt having been World Book capital.

The Tide reports that fifteen schools participated in the event which was graced by renowned literary writers including the current chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, Rivers State branch, Mr Obinna Nwodim, Dr Elechi Amadi, MrAnaele Ihuoma and Uzo Nwamara.

Source: The Tide