When 1402BookLounge hosted Yenagoa children to ‘Sip and Read’ funfare

By Toyyib Omowale

AS part of sustained initiative to promote the culture of book reading and literacy among children in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, 1402BookLounge Initiative recently hosted ‘Sip and Read’ workshop for children ages 8 to 14, with the aim of cultivating a healthy reading habit among young ones, so it becomes a lifelong habit. The event brought many children together to interact, read and brainstorm on various activities and topics dear to their hearts. With the theme ‘Nurturing Young Minds through Reading and Art’, the event was held at the Golden Tulip, Onopa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Event convener Annette Ekineta David-West explained that the idea to promote books and reading culture arose from her exposure to literary minds, a development she said she wants to pass on to young ones, adding, “Children are the leaders of tomorrow,” as she emphasized the importance of “catching them young” to instil a reading culture that is gradually fading away. “I have always had sit-outs with literary minds, usually with adults and a few kids. This time, we thought it wise to focus on the children since they are on holiday.”

Okene Emmanuel Efetobore, an 11-year-old participant at Sip and Read shared his experience, as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for putting together the book lounge, which he said he found both fun and educational. According to him, “I feel excited and overwhelmed by the whole activity, and I want to say thank you to the 1402BookLounge Initiative for making this possible.”

Similarly, Briella Oyondoubra, one of the winners of the game competition held during the event, stated that the ‘Sip and Read’ programme had been the most interesting part of her holiday, saying she eagerly anticipated sharing her experiences with friends when school resumes.

The children read books by Niger Delta-born playwright and novelist Lambert Ototo, which includes The Hawk and the Duck, Ovie and the Housefly and Ebiakpo the Orphan. The event also featured book reading, face painting, dance and games. It came to a close with the presentation of gifts and certificates to the participants.

Founder of 1402BookLounge Initiative Annette David-West interacting with the children at ‘Sip and Read’ outing in Yenagoa