Highlight the role of NGOs in advocating for investment in libraries for youth

The Advocacy for Positive Behavioural Patterns Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has urged the government to fund the building of libraries in order to increase youth development’s intellectual potential.

The initiative’s executive director, Mr. Ayo Olutekunbi, issued the request in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Olutekunbi, it is crucial to develop teenagers’ and young adults’ intellectual capacity, particularly in Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural legacy and a rapidly growing youth population.

“Nigeria’s youth are its future, and the nation’s progress depends critically on their intellectual development.

However, a stark contrast becomes apparent when we look at the Nigerian landscape: whereas religious centres are flourishing, accessible libraries are still rare.

This glaring disparity forces us to make a strong appeal to action.

“All area councils need libraries built by the government,” he declared.

According to Olutekunbi, libraries have the power to transform into knowledge oases and rays of hope for the nation’s youth.

He claimed that although young people face many difficulties, peer pressure stands out as one of the most significant.

“We are deeply conscious of the significant influence that peers have on the choices made by young people, and the attraction of harmful influences can divert them from pursuing their own intellectual and personal development,” stated Olutekunbi.

He warned that without opportunities for positive interaction and self-improvement, young people could be left defenceless.

Religious institutions, according to Olutekunbi, can give spiritual direction but might not be able to give the tools and intellectual stimulation necessary to develop well-rounded people.

He asserts that libraries have the ability to change people’s lives and are more than just stores of books.

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According to him, libraries offer a peaceful setting for introspection, study, and learning.

Olutekunbi stated that the idea of fair access to information and education was the foundation for the request for libraries to be established in local governments. She added that libraries provided free access to a vast array of books, periodicals, scholarly journals, and digital resources.

Additionally, he stated that the Initiative understood the critical role libraries might play in fostering in young people beneficial behavioural habits.

Libraries foster critical thinking, pique young people’s interest, and provide them the freedom to discover new things. They are welcoming environments that promote social cohesiveness, variety, and inclusivity.

We can ensure that even the most isolated and underprivileged communities have access to the richness of information that libraries have to offer by distributing libraries across the country.

By bridging the urban-rural divide, this programme guarantees every young Nigerian an equal opportunity for intellectual development.

“We think libraries may act as hubs for learning, research, and community involvement.

“Young people can be empowered by libraries to explore, innovate, and create a better tomorrow, acting as a catalyst for change.”

He continued, “We beg the government to refocus its efforts on building libraries in all area councils, leaving a legacy of opportunity and knowledge for future generations.”

Olutekunbi went on to say that funding intellectual advancement was essential, particularly in a country where children make up a sizable portion of the populace.

He claimed that this would have a significant impact on how the nation developed.