Famed Librarian and Programmes Coordinator of Port Harcourt Literary Society, Chidinma Ubakanwa has commended the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) for finding her deserving of an award of excellence for promoting reading culture, affirming that the honour will propel her for greater service to humanity.
Chidinma who is the founder of Creative Bibliophile, a non-governmental body established for the promotion of reading culture in Rivers State, stated this in a chat with journalists at the weekend shortly after she bagged the award from the Rivers State chapter of ANA in Port Harcourt.
Although not a member of the writers’ body, Chidinma said she is an avid supporter of ANA, adding that both organizations are working in collaborative effort to revamp the ailing reading culture in the society.
“You know, we sort of carry the burden together. The Creative Bibliophile and ANA promote anything that it educative, that will bring out hidden talents in the kids that will impact the society, definitely we’ll be part of the train”, she said.
The Librarian disclosed that her organization tries as much as possible to engage children meaningfully and gainfully through programmes like quiz competitions, spelling bee and other programmes that would bring out their hidden talents.
“We also try to reach out to the less privileged in society and orphanage homes in line with the sustainable development goals, especially goal four, which is quality education.
“We try as much as possible to reach out to them and give them hope that irrespective of the situation they find themselves, they can also be better when it comes to education”, she said, reaffirming that she felt fulfilled as it had been a longtime passion to develop people and make them happy.
Chidinma also added that her fulfillment derived from the fact that over 200 children had benefitted from the programmes organized by her group since 2017 when the Creative Bibliophile was birthed.
While pouring encomiums on the State Chairman of ANA, Uzo Nwamara and his vice, Ekaete George for the award which was conferred on her last Thursday as part of activities marking the 2019 World Book Day, Chidinma said the award is a call to higher responsibilities, pledging to do her best to sustain the tempo.
