International Holiness Pentecostal Church in Lagos, Nigeria, launches youth book club to promote reading

The International Holiness Pentecostal Church Nigeria, Grace Chapel, has launched a Book Club to strengthen reading and writing skills among young people and to address cybercrime, drug abuse and other social vices. The initiative is also aimed at promoting human capital development by building the mental, social and industrial capacities of young Nigerians. The launch took place on a Sunday in Lagos, where attendees emphasised the importance of reading to youth development and social growth.

Pastor Samuel Ikebugo, the church’s Assistant Western Conference Superintendent in charge of youth, outlined the club’s objectives. He said they include plans to “restore youth glory, bridge the leadership gap, foster creativity, develop literary skills, sustain marital bliss, sharpen communication skills, reduce unemployment.” He added that the club would also revive the reading culture, improve public speaking and build confidence among young people.

Ogbeide Blessing, the club’s team lead and coordinator, said the group, known as the Bookish Bunch, aims to ensure that the 21st century, which is driven by technology, does not crowd out reading. “We do not want the reading culture to die,” she said. She described the goal of fostering reading among teenagers and young adults, saying books expand imagination, knowledge and personal respect, and that the effort would begin within the Grace Chapel congregation before extending further. Blessing also said the presentation had helped identify individuals’ talents and that the club would offer mentoring and support for members seeking to advance in their careers.

Dr Francis Anyanwu, the chief launcher and chairman of the occasion, described the club as a place where people develop themselves for their intended purpose. He said that reading shapes people and that self-advancement, including the aspiration to become an author, was the purpose of the club.

Reverend Joseph Ehimen, the chief convener and senior pastor of the church, said support for the club could take the form of humane, kind, financial and networking assistance. He said the club would need physical structures and virtual platforms for hybrid meetings and must assemble the necessary resources. He added that the church plans to reach out to respected Nigerian authors, poets, academics, business executives and industry leaders to mentor members, saying that readers could become writers of significant books, a vision that reflects the call to pass faith and wisdom to the next generation (Psalm 78:4).

According to the report, the project aims not only to promote motivational reading but also to build young people’s confidence and public speaking skills. Ehimen said the structure would be multi-dimensional, involving the church, government and civil society.

Source: Read the original report