The Kwara State Government said it has distributed over one million textbooks to the entire public schools in the state.

Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State, in a statement to mark the World Book Day 2023, said this became necessary in a bid to promote literacy in the state.

The state government stated that the over one million textbooks were distributed through its KwaraLEARN programme, the basic education reform.

The statement hinted that the government was dedicated to promoting a culture of literacy and education in Kwara State and beyond.

The government said KwaraLEARN recognised the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages, especially in a region where a significant portion of the population are native Yoruba speakers.

The government said in line with UNESCO’s Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032, KwaraLEARN had made a concerted effort to incorporate indigenous language lessons and resources into its curriculum.

“In the past year alone, we have made significant strides in our mission to provide quality basic education to every child in Kwara State. Through our efforts to promote literacy and foster a love of reading, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for every child in our dear state.

“World Book Day is a reminder that education is the foundation of a strong and prosperous society. With the distribution of over 1,184,915 textbooks and learning materials, including indigenous language textbooks, we are demonstrating our administration’s commitment to changing the status quo and improving the quality of education for all,” he said.

Also speaking, Femi Oyinloye, KwaraLEARN’s Academic Director, in his remarks, said language was a fundamental aspect of cultural identity, saying that by preserving and promoting indigenous languages, the community could help create a more diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich society.

Oyinloye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable quality basic education to every child in Kwara State, irrespective of their background or socio-economic status.

He explained that as part of its World Book Day celebration, KwaraLEARN is organising a series of events aimed at promoting reading culture.

These events, according to him, included book swaps and storytelling sessions, all aimed at fostering a love for reading.

He pointed out that by promoting a culture of literacy and education, KwaraLEARN was empowering the next generation of leaders to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Also speaking, Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, Executive Chairman Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, said the slogan ’Today a reader, tomorrow a leader,’ was not just a catchy catchphrase by the state government.

According to him, this had been proven over the years, insisting that reading and learning were the keys to unlocking a brighter future for the Kwaran child and the country at large.

“While we are committed to promoting indigenous languages and preserving cultural heritage, we also recognise the importance of providing our pupils with access to quality education across a broad range of subjects. KwaraLEARN curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the modern world,” he added.

World Book Day is an annual celebration that promotes the love of books and reading.

Every year, on April 23rd, people all over the world come together to acknowledge the importance of books as a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.