The House of Representatives member representing Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, says voluntary reading is the key to social development and should be encouraged.
Hon. Dakuku gave the advice during the launching of the second edition of magazine and awards of honours to distinguished women by the Women Development International, a non-governmental organization, at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
Hon. Peterside, a former commissioner of works, Rivers State and now chairman Downstream Sector at the Federal House of Representatives, stated that until Nigerians imbibe the reading culture, social transformation will not be achieved at a higher speed.
The Opobo born politician posited that government at all levels could encourage this culture of reading by building modern libraries to spur those who have reading habits and support others.
He however said since culture is a way of life, nobody could legislate on culture, hence it is difficult to force people to read as they prefer to read only during examination.
On the launching of the magazine, he observed that what someone put down is very important than spoken words because the impact would be felt globally, and the organization should be encouraged in all ramifications, especially as the magazine was written by women to address the problem facing the women in the society.
Earlier, in an interview with press men, the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Emmanuel Nwachukwu, commended the organization while advising Africa women to discover their potentials.
The chairman said the most important thing should be the sustainability and longevity of such projects, noting that the magazine would be profitable to families and individuals because of the quality of information found in it.
In her welcome address, Mr. Gloria Ken-Idehen, the editor of the magazine, expressed gratitude to those who honoured the invitation especially the awardees.
Mrs. Ken Idehen explained that the purpose of the event was to formerly present the women development international magazine to the public, a quarterly publication poised to report critical issues within and around government, most especially the promotion and entrenchment of gender equality in the society.
The editor stated that women who work hard against all odds are honoured to inspire other women in Nigeria and Rivers State.
She used the occasion to reach out to students most especially the female students, to avail themselves with the information available in the magazine as it offered a social transformation.
The editor said in the past, culture and tradition has limited so many African Women, but now it has changed.
Responding, one of the recipients, Her Majesty, Mrs. Josephine Diete Spiff, wife of the first military administrator of Rivers State, promised to support the magazine while calling on the women to take up the challenge in the society and work hard without allowing the men to overshadow them.
Mrs. Vivian Braide, Special Adviser. to the governor on the new UST was also honoured.
The Executive Director, Mrs. Ken Idehen in an interview with journalists, stated that for a long time the society has not recognized and supported those who have excelled, and that was why they were recognizing success as room to build morality in the youths and women. He said the organization focused more on youths and women.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the magazine by the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Emmanuel Nwachukwu and Lady Josephine Alfred Diete Spiff. ###
Pius Dukor
