.. As NLA celebrates outstanding contributors with awards

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The President and Chairman of Council of Nigerian Library Association, NLA, Dr Dominic Omokaro, says libraries remain indispensable institutions that foster intellectual growth, social development, and national advancement, in a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and technology drive progress.

His position came as stakeholders in the Nigerian education sector applauded the key role libraries have played in shapping the future of the country.

Speaking at the NLA 2024 Dinner and Awards Night, in Abuja on Saturday, with the theme: ”The Library as An Agent of Change in Contemporary Nigeria”, Dr Omokaro insisted that libraries have proven to be pivotal in the quest for national transformation and from preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage to promoting lifelong learning and supporting digital literacy.

The 2024 Nigerian Library Association’s Annual Dinner and Awards Night,is a prestigious event that celebrates excellence, dedication, and the transformative power of libraries in Nigeria.

While noting that the theme of the event was not only timely but also thought provoking, Omokaro explained that the occasion was held not only to recognize those who have contributed significantly to the library profession but also to reflect on the vital role libraries play in shaping the future of the nation.
“ In a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and technology drive progress, libraries remain indispensable Institutions that foster intellectual growth, social development, and national advancement.
“From preserving our cultural heritage to promoting lifelong learning and supporting digital literacy, libraries have proven to be pivotal in the quest for national transformation.

“In contemporary Nigeria, where challenges abound, from economic instability to educational inequalities, libranes continue to provide inclusive access to information and serve as hubs for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and community engagementengagement, “he said.

Speaking further, the President and Chairman of Council of NLA said:”Our libraries are not merely repositories of books but active agents of change, empowering individuals, fostering social cohesion, and driving the development of informed and engaged citizens. “

“It is in this regard that the Nigerian Library Association recognises and appreciates the construction and commissioning of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legislative Library located at the National Assembly Complex.

“ This is indeed what we expect from our legislators and we want to thank the chairman of the Committee and his team and the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund for a job well done”, he explained.

The event witnessed the celebration of achievements of outstanding individuals whose contributions have furthered the cause of librarianship and the broader goal of national development.

Omokaro said their “commitment and efforts have made a lasting impact on the profession”,noting the association was proud to honour them with awards.

Speaking on the theme:”The Library as An Agent of Change in Contemporary Nigeria”, the keynote speaker,Dr. Ibeh Chinyere acknowledged the role libraries have played in the transformation of the society.

According to her, while some people see libraries as places where books are stored and accessed, she thinks that libraries are much more than that.
“They additionally serve as dynamic centres of community engagement, learning, and societal change.
“On my personal note, the library has been an indispensable tool in my journey as a researcher. As we are all aware, the library is a fulcrum of research and development. Also, there is no field that doesn’t rely on research and development, and this research and development relies on resources from the library, “she said.

Two journalists, Daniel Adejo of Radio Nigeria and Patrick Osemuaghu Abulu of AIT, were among those presented with awards in recognition of their nvaluable contributions to the library profession.