By Egufe Yafugborhi

PORT HARCOURT – FRENCH conglomerate, TotalEnergies, says it is now more driven to sustain its Book Reading programme because of its potential for helping children to deal with all distractions, including social media, incidental to young people while nurturing them into successful leaders of tomorrow.

Deputy Managing Director, Joint Venture Assets, TotalEnergies, Guillaume Dulout, expressed the passion at the company’s 2022 Book Reading and Open Day held in Port Harcourt for Senior Secondary Schools in Rivers state on the theme, “Today A Reader, Tomorrow A Leader.”

The annual Book Reading is TotalEnergies/NNPC Joint Venture’s goodwill to encourage students to embrace reading as a way of life just as the Open Day presents a window to share career paths and opportunities in order to guide the students to make informed and rewarding career decisions.

Represented by Patrick Somiari, TotalEnergirs General Manager, Facilities Management and Administration, Dulout enlighten the participants drawn from 10 Rivers Senior Secondary Schools on the immense value the programme holds for them on the long run.

He said, “From the role model to the facilitator, and to the presenters and volunteers with whom the students will interact today, I believe we have a pool of rich resources, capable of transforming the students to leaders, not only in their current status but also for the future.

“Being a leader does not usually come without effort. Thankfully, the few who put in the work prepare themselves to be leaders when the opportunity comes. Perhaps, nothing positions you better for leadership than reading. You must read; read regularly, read voraciously.

“It was in that light that the English philosopher and statesman, Sir Francis Bacon, observed that “Reading maketh a full man.” Reading involves a considerable level of concentration and thus, nurtures patience.

“What follows is better vocabulary and knowledge. Indeed, patience, knowledge and a rich reservoir of vocabulary help you establish the identity of a leader. Reading nurtures values that make you a leader.

“But you must start reading today. The book we have chosen to read at today’s event, “Diary of Fatherland” by Charles Nelson, is designed to heighten your appetite for books and place you on the path of leadership.

“Of course, you will not find reading a piece of cake or undemanding, especially in the times we live in. If dealing with the appeal of the traditional media, especially TV and cinema was difficult, the proliferation and allure of the social media would make reading more challenging.

“But don’t allow these media and their devices to be a drag on your dream of becoming a leader. I believe all the distractions that are incidental to young ones today have magnified the importance of the Book Reading & Open Day programme.”

The interactive event featured competitions, prizes, experiences, and fun that enhanced participants’ appreciation of reading in the understanding that hard work pays and there is no short-cut to sustainable success.