Writers, students, educators celebrate literacy, digital inclusion at Read With Me 2025
By Godwin Okondo
WHEN writers, students, and education stakeholders gathered at Lagos Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the goal was to celebrate the third edition of Read With Me on International Literacy Day, an annual literacy advocacy event organized by Nigerian author, Foluke Sijuwola Falayi. The event was in commemoration of the 2025 International Literacy Day, and brought together participants from both the public and private sectors, including teachers, students, and reading enthusiasts, to discuss the year’s global theme, ‘Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.’
The convener, Foluke Sijuwola Falayi, who has authored over 20 books, emphasized the importance of embracing technology to enhance literacy and creativity. “To promote literacy, we can access e-books, collaborate on projects, and use cloud-based tools for creativity,” she said. Falayi urged attendees to “be brave and curious,” adding that digital tools could help writers, educators, and students become more visible and globally connected.
She further stressed that literacy should not be viewed solely as an educational goal but as “a fundamental pillar of human and social inclusion.”
In line with the event’s digital focus, Falayi read excerpts from her book Flub, using a tablet device, reflecting the UNESCO theme that promotes digital literacy and innovation in education.
Foluke Falayi
Representing the Federal Ministry of Education was the Principal of Queens College, Mrs. Oyindamola Obabori, who delivered a message from the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Mrs. Binta Abdulkadir. Abdulkadir stated that the ministry was working to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) across all subjects in schools. She noted that the initiative aims to empower students to become “not just consumers of knowledge, but also innovators and creators of practical solutions.” She also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen teachers’ capacity to deliver lessons using digital tools and methodologies, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
Students from various invited schools made presentations centered on the 2025 theme, showcasing their understanding of literacy in the digital age. One of the most engaging moments of the event was the Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) session, where all participants simultaneously read from their devices for three minutes, symbolizing a collective commitment to digital reading culture.
Over the years, Falayi has contributed immensely to African literature through her numerous works, including The Rainy Day, Happy Time, The Little Prince and the Sluggish Servant, The Pride of Parents, Unbending Steel, Beans for Supper, The Reverend’s Daughter, and One Two Three Poetry, among others — many of which are used in schools across Africa.
Through the Read With Me initiative, Falayi continues to inspire a new generation of readers and writers, while promoting literacy as a tool for empowerment in an increasingly digital world.
