Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has prescribed extensive and intensive reading as mechanism for critical thinking and effective leadership skills.

Prof. Arigbabu, gave this submission during a programme organised by the Ogun State Library Board in collaboration with the State Chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) to Commemorate 2026 World Book Day with the theme: ‘Go All In: If You Are Into It, Read It’ said continuous reading would also engender effective communication prowess.

Commissioner Arigbabu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, encouraged learners to use their phones positively for reading and to search for resourceful materials that could help their development in life.

He therefore charged them to shun social vices such as truancy, indecent dressing, malpractices and sharp practices, but to rather read intensively, in order to compliment the efforts of their teachers for proper upbringing.

"I encourage you to read beyond your school books, explore diverse fields, engage with different authors, and allow yourselves to encounter new perspectives. In doing so, you will cultivate creativity, strengthen your analytical abilities and become more adaptable in your future career," he said.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloko, represented by the Director of Education, Department of Education Support Services, Dr. Mary Okereafor, described book reading as gateway to transforming knowledge, imagination, innovation and transformation, congratulating the learners for the early exposure to programme that would stimulate their interest to reading.

Welcoming the participants, the Executive Director of the Ogun State Library Board, Mr. Vincent Giwa, noted that the theme was a call to action, telling people that reading does not separate them from what they already loved, but a way to level up in what they love.

"The theme is basically saying: whatever that makes you curious, there is a book for it and if you care about it, you will actually enjoy reading about it," he said.

In their goodwill messages, the State Chairman of ANA, Dr. Abiodun Lasile and the Special Guest of Honour of the Occasion, Dr. Tope Olaifa, said reading impacts lives, reasoning and outlook politely. They therefore enjoined learners to read well and get the message of the book.