By Efe Onodjae 

As part of activities marking World Book Day 2026, the Alice Ajisafe Foundation (AAF) has intensified efforts to promote reading culture among young Nigerians with the successful hosting of its annual Alice Ajisafe Award for Intellectual Curiosity.

The grand finale, held Thursday at the Dzuels Foundation Library, drew over 150 students who showcased strong commitment to voluntary reading in a week-long challenge.

The award, instituted in memory of the late Alice Ajisafe, seeks to recognise and reward young readers while sustaining her legacy of intellectual development within the community. Organisers say the initiative is designed to reposition reading as a lifelong habit amid concerns over declining engagement with long-form texts.

Speaking at the event, AAF Programme Manager, Aina Omotola, said the foundation—established in 2022—is anchored on the belief that intellectual curiosity remains a powerful driver of personal and societal growth.

“Reading is not just about passing examinations; it is about exposure. It broadens the mind and reveals opportunities beyond one’s immediate environment,” she said, urging students to cultivate consistent reading habits.

Omotola highlighted the foundation’s focus areas, education, women empowerment, and faith, adding that its programmes are tailored to improve literacy, mentor women, and support wellbeing in underserved communities.

Unlike conventional academic competitions, the award assessed participants based on reading volume, comprehension, and demonstrated curiosity. Students competed across four categories: Junior Elementary, Senior Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School.

At the end of the exercise, Afolabi Inioluwa Oluwatosin (SS1) emerged winner in the Senior High category after reading 13 books, while Daramola Precious Oluwanifemi (JSS2) topped the Junior High category with 14 books. Victor Ighouorghor Godwin (Primary 6) and Akinwale Mimisola Juliet (Primary 3) won the Senior and Junior Elementary categories with 11 and 12 books respectively.

Each winner received a plaque, a curated collection of books, and a cash prize of N50,000. Other participants were also rewarded with books, a gesture organisers say reinforces inclusive learning and encourages collective participation.

Administrator of the Dzuels Foundation Library, Tolulope Folorunso, noted that the initiative had begun to shape students’ behaviour beyond academics.

“It builds reading discipline. They now understand how, when, and what to read,” he said, adding that parents have also reported improved responsibility among participants.

In her remarks, educationist Kehinde Oluwarotimi called on students to embrace deep learning in line with the 2026 theme, “Go All In.”

“You cannot excel by scratching the surface. To stand out in any field, you must commit to reading deeply,” she said, while cautioning against indiscriminate reading habits.

UNESCO-designated World Book Day is observed globally to promote reading and literacy. In Nigeria, stakeholders continue to express concern over declining reading culture, worsened by increased reliance on digital devices and short-form content.

Against this backdrop, the Alice Ajisafe Foundation’s intervention is seen as a timely, community-based response aimed at nurturing a new generation of critical thinkers through sustained reading and intellectual engagement.