By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has commended Lady Ejiro Umukoro for organizing the inaugural World Book Day Festival 2026 in Asaba, describing the initiative as a commendable effort toward promoting literacy and a reading culture in the state.
Dr. Oseji, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the State Head of Service. Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, said the festival was both enriching and educative, stressing that reading remains an essential tool for knowledge acquisition and personal development.
She noted that literature has the power to challenge, inspire, and encourage individuals to think critically and creatively. She therefore urged participants to cultivate the habit of reading and inspire others to do the same.
Delivering a goodwill message, the guest speaker, and Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Smart Edoge also praised Lady Umukoro for the initiative. He highlighted the themes of mental health and stigmatization explored in the book Distortion, noting that such topics are vital in raising awareness and fostering empathy in society.
Representative of the Delta State Head of Service, Permanent Secretary, Office of Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka (4th right), Functioning Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay (3rd left), organizer of the event, Lady Ejiro Umukoro (4th right) and others in a group photograph during the inaugural World Book Day Festival 2026 in Asaba.
Delta State’s First World World Book Day
Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, making her remarks at the inaugural World Book Day Festival 2026 held in Asaba.
Other speakers at the event, including the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay; the President of the Asaba Literacy and Reading Club, Dr. Gabriel Okonji; Dr. Omena Egedi; Chief (Mrs.) Theresa Allanah; and Mr. Uche Egbuche, encouraged Deltans to cultivate a strong reading culture. They emphasized that reading not only enhances personal growth but also promotes intellectual independence and informed decision-making.
In her keynote address, Lady Ejiro Umukoro expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for her encouragement and support. She also thanked the Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and other speakers for their contributions to the success of the event.
Lady Umukoro stressed the need for more functional libraries across the state and advocated for the establishment of additional book clubs to further strengthen reading habits among residents.
The event featured spoken word poetry performances by Unumeri Success of Patricia Group of Schools and Onajite Prosper of Westend Mixed Secondary School, Asaba. It also witnessed the official launch of the book Distortion.
