9mobile, One of Nigeria’s telecommunications service providers, has taken its passion for social development of its host communities a step further by donating books to the Isolo Public Library in Isolo community in Lagos State, and also launching a reading club to promote literacy, in commemoration of the 2018 World Book Day.
During the visit to the state-owned library at Isolo, 9mobile delighted students, teachers, and officials of the library, with donations of books by renowned authors, including Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Mabel Segun, and Jowhor Ile – winner of the 9mobile Prize for Literature 2016.
The prize is the most prestigious pan-African literary prize that promotes and celebrates first-time fiction writers of African origin.
The donation of books by 9mobile further underscores its commitment to the development and promotion of writing and reading in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Speaking at the presentation of the books to Lagos State Library Board, Oluseyi Osunsedo, Acting Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, said the benefits of book reading on national development are immense, noting that the company is promoting a reading culture to support knowledge acquisition and retention in Nigeria, especially amongst the youth.
“For us at 9mobile, we are passionate about driving sustainable national development and making a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians. As a youthful brand, our product offerings and CSR activities firmly confirm our belief that the youth are critical to nation-building and education is the bedrock of any nation’s development,” she stated.
Commenting while receiving the books, the Assistant Director, Lagos State Library Board, Asimiyu Oyadipe, commended 9mobile for the gesture and said the support was in line with government’s efforts towards the improvement of a reading culture amongst the residents.
“We thank 9mobile for collaborating with the Lagos State Government; it is in line with the efforts by the State government to improve the reading culture in the state.
