Read-a-thon would edify Edo people and their culture -Efosa Egharevba

By Bernadette Idalu

Director, Edo State Library Board, Mr. Efosa Egharevba, today drummed up support for Angel Osariemen Asein who attempts to set a new Guinness World record by publicly reading books which edify Edo culture and its people. 

In a chat with the Library boss this February 21, 2024, to verify the level of preparedness to host the reading competition, Mr. Egharevba expressed his deep conviction at meeting requisite laid down criteria and procedures for the reading competition.

Pointing out that the Guinness world record seeker would be pushing herself to the extreme during a nine day duration in order to earn a slot in the reference book which lists world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world, he nonetheless assured of the support of the Edo State government through it's tripartite ministries of culture, education and communication which he acknowledged was leaving no stone unturned to actualize the dream of the quest seeker.

Maintaining that the read-a-thon would be a memorable event, he pointed out that a space would be cordoned off at the Edo State Library facility to give definition and poise to the quest seeker aside also acting as a means at cutting down distractions from other users of the public library.

He appealed to people to come cheer Angel Osariemen Asein on, to glory, to hit the two hundred (200) hours reading mark, in this event billed to run for nine (9) consecutive days, starting February 23, running till March 3, 2024, at the Library Complex, Edo State Secretariat, Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo State.

He opined that if the quest sailed through, Osariemen would have succeeded not only at exposing Edo State with its unique culture to the world but also giving face to youths, especially the Edo girl child who would see  her as a role model and a mentor of sorts. Also, her effort will help promote the reading culture in the State and support the Ministry of Education, "Every Child a Reading Champion" campaign.

Egharevba observed that the Edo State Library Board was already on the history making path with the use of it's facility as the venue of the read-a-thon. He added that government has provided constant electricity and functionality of the cooling system in the facility. He also added that with the presence of police personnel stationed at the entry and exit routes of the secretariat building, the venue will be safe for all.

He stated, "She has done a mock reading already. She is physically fit and would have a team of medics to check up on her during the reading competition. It is an encompassing preparation. It is an attempt to break the world record which means people would be coming from time to time to cheer her up and give her the needed moral support. This posits that it would be a lively environment. If she scales through she will become a role model to Edo youths, especially the girl child whom she promotes the reading culture to."

On a final note, he urged the Guinness world record seeker to remain focused at achieving the feat based on the moral support from the state government through the action of the library board which has given her a conducive environment to achieve her feat. He also called on society to give her the necessary push and support to achieve this feat.