World Book Day 2026: CORA, NCC’s literacy session to inspire young readers
By Editor
ON the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day 2026 on Thursday, April 23, the CORA Library & Resource Centre (CL&RC) will host a literacy a campaign session on the theme ‘Read for Pleasure.’ Jointly organised by the CORA Youth Creative Club (CYCC) and COA partner, Events by Nature, led by Lynda Amadi, the event is slated for 10.00am at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where the Library is located. The session is in partnership with the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), whose Director General, Dr. John Asein will speak on the theme to emphasise the importance of intellectual property and creative ownership.
Designed as a strictly youths-oriented event that would have in attendance about 100 students drawn from several secondary schools across Lagos State, the event will have participants partaking in reading, writing workshops and interactive literary activities, as well as mentorship by special guests who are actively engaged in literacy activities
Two special guests of honour will also feature in the programme. One is an award-winning author and President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Society of Nigeria, Dr. Awele Ilusanmi (aka “Queen of Books”), who will deploy her wealth of experience in book development and literary advocacy to mentor participants. Joining her will be Victoria Nwankpa, whose featured novel The Art of Forgetting You will anchor the day’s reading. The book tells the story of Ezinne Okoro, an artist caught in a web of love, mystery, and hidden truths in Lagos. It offers students a compelling exploration of memory, identity, and emotional resilience.
Supported by the management of Freedom Park, CORA aims through the event to inspire a deeper appreciation for reading among young people while providing direct access to authors, stories, and the transformative power of literature.
Every year, on 23 April, UNESCO celebrates World Book and Copyright Day in recognition of the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures. It was inaugurated on April 23, 1995, to celebrate authors, promote reading, and protect copyright. Originating from a Spanish tradition, it is held on April 23 to mark the death anniversary of literary giants like Shakespeare and Cervantes. The first global celebration was in 1996
