The Head of Service of Delta State, Mininim Oseji, has commended Ejiro Umukoro for organising the inaugural World Book Day Festival 2026 in Asaba, describing the initiative as a significant step toward promoting literacy and a strong reading culture in the state.
Oseji, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Wilson Chukwuka, said the festival was both enriching and educative, stressing that reading remains an essential tool for knowledge acquisition and personal development.
According to her, literature has the power to challenge, inspire and encourage individuals to think critically and creatively, urging participants to cultivate the habit of reading and inspire others to do the same.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Smart Edoge, commended Umukoro for initiating the programme.
He highlighted the themes of mental health and stigmatization explored in the book Distortion, noting that such discussions are important for raising awareness and promoting empathy within society.
Other speakers at the event included the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Information, Stella Macaulay; the President of the Asaba Literacy and Reading Club, Gabriel Okonji; Omena Egedi; Theresa Allanah; and Uche Egbuche.
They encouraged residents of the state to develop a strong reading culture, noting that reading enhances intellectual growth and supports informed decision-making.
In her remarks, Umukoro expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for the support and encouragement given to the initiative. She also thanked the Permanent Secretaries, directors and other speakers for contributing to the success of the event.
She further emphasised the need for more functional libraries across the state and advocated the establishment of additional book clubs to strengthen reading habits among residents.
The event also 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.