By Prisca Sam-Duru & Ogo-Oluwa Adelakun

In today’s academic world, reading remains the ultimate pre-requisite for excelling in any exams. Sadly, young people still see reading as a heavy burden to bear and as such, want to cut corners. It therefore, becomes imperative to inculcate in young children, the attitude of reading such that it becomes part of them as they grow older.

Mr Mathew Odianose (Right) handing over books to Mrs Kuti during the visit to his Alma mater.

It was in an effort to contribute his own quota towards national development and helping to revive the reading culture of Nigerians, that author of Practical Perspectives on Youth: Engagement and Mobilisation, Mr. Odianose Matthew, began a national and international book tour.

During one of his visits to his Alma Mater, Oregun Senior High School, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, the author donated copies of the book to the school library.

He noted that the challenge of students buying books due to the harsh economic reality stirring Nigerians in the face daily, the need to contribute his own quota to national development as well as inspire the young students, are some of the reasons he has donated copies of the book to the school.

As one of the best graduating students in 1991 set of Oregun High school, Mr. Odianose expressed how pleased he was to address the students at the special assembly. For him it was a rare privilege and honour to be standing before them and empowering them.

He told the students how reading daily and cutting down on loads of distractions such as social media, usage of smart phones, games and all the other things that distract student from studying properly , contribute in a long way to achieving good grades in their studies. Readers he reiterated are leaders and as such to become a leader students must cultivate the habit of reading as if their entire being depends on it.

Reliving memories of his days in the school, Matthew admonished the students to imbibe the reading culture and read a book every week if possible, adding that “There is no short cut to success in exams, without studying properly and that includes revising notes, researching on the internet and making sure home work are properly done as well.

The hallmark of success he emphasized is developing a reading habit that works for them and when done over a time with the elimination of distractions from social media and smart use of smart phones will in the end pay off with good grades.

He reminded them as future leaders that they must invest their time wisely at this stage to ensure they leave school in flying colours. And to remember that they too will one day go into the wider world and it is only proper for them to be good ambassadors of their Alma Mater wherever they find themselves in future just as he has done.

According to him, it was his reading habit that propelled his desire to start writing and eventually becoming a published author. Receiving the books, the Principal of the school Mrs. Kuti thanked Mr Matthew, for remembering to identify with his Alma Mater and for being a good ambassador of the school.