By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi
Dr. Regina Olohiliye Ngorngor, head of branch, National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State, has continued to record remarkable achievements in literacy advocacy and community development.
An alumna of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and University of Nigeria Nsukka, Dr. Ngorngor has facilitated over 40 literacy skills programmes across communities, promoting reading culture, mother tongue education, and sustainable learning initiatives.
Her outstanding contributions to knowledge dissemination earned her the traditional title Walkiliyar Ilimin Tirwun, meaning “Ambassador of Knowledge,” by the Tirwun community in Bauchi State.
Dr. Ngorngor reaffirms her commitment to ensuring that every community has access to a functional literacy centre, strengthening grassroots education and national development.
One of her key engagements in the Library activities are REPORT ON WORLD READ ALOUD DAY (WRAD) CELEBRATION, National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State Branch,Bauchi
Dr. Regina Olohiliye Ngorngor (Walkiliyar Ilimi Tirwun ),Head of Branch, National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State Branch, Bauchi, reports that the World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) celebration was successfully organized and hosted by the Bauchi State Branch of the National Library of Nigeria in line with the global objective of promoting reading aloud as a tool for improving literacy, enhancing communication skills, and encouraging lifelong reading habits among learners.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
World Read Aloud Day is a global literacy campaign celebrated annually to promote reading culture, especially among children and young learners. The programme organized by the National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State Branch, was aimed at sensitizing students, teachers, and the general public on the importance of reading aloud in strengthening vocabulary, comprehension, confidence, and critical thinking.
The event recorded the active participation of students, teachers, invited guests, and staff of the National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State Branch.
2.0 ATTENDANCE
Attendance statistics were recorded as follows:
1. Number of Schools in Attendance: Eleven (11) schools
2. Number of Students per School: Ten (10) students per school, totaling One Hundred and Ten (110) students
3. Number of Teachers per School: Two (2) teachers per school, totaling Twenty-Two (22) teachers
4. Total School Participants: One Hundred and Thirty-Two (132) participants (students and teachers)
5. Number of Guests in Attendance: Forty-Nine (49) guests
6. Grand Total Attendance: One Hundred and Eighty-One (181) participants
3.0 COMMENCEMENT OF PROGRAMME
The programme commenced at exactly 10:00am with an opening prayer led by Mohammed Shamsudin of Dolphin Maria College. This was followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr. Regina Olohiliye Ngorngor, Head of Branch (HOB), National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State Branch, Bauchi.
In her welcome address, Dr. Ngorngor highlighted the significance of reading aloud in building confidence, improving comprehension, enhancing vocabulary development, and fostering critical thinking among learners.
4.0 ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED
4.1 Read Aloud Session (Guest Reading)
The major highlight of the event was the Read Aloud Session (Guest Reading). Participants were divided into five (5) groups to ensure effective participation and coordination. The following storybooks were used:
1. Cake House by Abiodun Solukola
2. Sunshine At Last by Ijeoma John-Ebere
3. Follow Your Leader by I. C. Ozed-Williams
4. The Pride in Bitterness by Nguntsu Meshi
5. Nurse Titi by E. A. Fadare
The sessions were interactive, educative, and engaging. Students participated actively, demonstrating enthusiasm and confidence, while improving listening skills, pronunciation, and comprehension.
4.2 Quiz Competition (Spelling Bee)
To enhance the educational value of the event, a Quiz Competition (Spelling Bee) was organized. Students were required to pick numbers and spell words corresponding to the numbers selected. Participants who correctly spelled the words emerged as winners in each round.
At the end of the competition, prizes were awarded to the best-performing schools as follows:
• 1st Position: Dolphin Maria College
• 2nd Position: Deecodle Private School
• 3rd Position: Beautiful Zion
Consolation prizes were also presented to all participating schools as encouragement and appreciation for their efforts.
4.3 Educational Talk
A lecture titled “Why Reading Aloud Matters in Today’s World” was delivered by Musa Simon of Dolphin Maria University, Bauchi. The lecture emphasized the importance of reading aloud in improving comprehension, boosting vocabulary, enhancing confidence, and promoting effective communication skills.
4.4 Media Engagement (Radio Live Programme)
In furtherance of public sensitization and advocacy for literacy development, Dr. Regina Olohiliye Ngorngor, alongside Kudah Wormi and Huba Sule, participated in a live radio programme at Albarka Radio 97.5 FM at exactly 4:05pm. The discussion focused on the importance of reading aloud and the need for parents, teachers, and stakeholders to support reading culture among children and youths.
5.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) celebration organized by the National Library of Nigeria, Bauchi State Branch, Bauchi, was successfully conducted and achieved its set objectives. The programme contributed significantly towards promoting literacy awareness, encouraging reading culture, and reinforcing the importance of reading aloud as a tool for educational advancement and personal development.