20 books and still counting, Foluke Sijuwola Falayi gives back on Literacy Day

For prolific writer and mentor, Foluke Sijuwola Falayi, it is time to give back to her country and beyond. She is a product of a culture, education and system that made her literary calling to flower. After writing and publishing 20 books and still counting, she feels it is time to count her blessings by blessing the society that produced her.

The author whose books are widely studied in schools especially in Lagos and neighbouring states had an opportunity to do that recently when she held an inspiring programme on the World Literacy Day. She rallied stakeholders to the LCCI Centre, Ikeja, venue of the event, where she preached the gospel of literacy and versatile education.

“One must be able to read and write. Whatever work or career one engages in, whatever anyone will become,” Falayi says on the essence of the event. “Literacy is the foundation. To be successful at your craft, you should be literate.

“So, the Literacy Day celebration is my way of giving back to society. I believe that being an author of over 20 books, it’s my social and literary responsibility. That’s why I had the event termed “Read with Me on International Literacy Day.”

While the theme for the 2023 Literacy Day was Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies, highlights of the Falayi’s event included presentations by experts, a competition and ‘Read with Me’, while students were taught how to colour and draw.

The participants received enlightenment from the speakers and the discussion panel on how to promote literacy. There were performances by schools – with some of them being Ebenezer Montessori School, Dupwal Montessori School, AOS Montessori School, Tunwase Nursery and Primary School, Heirs of Salvation School, Bethesda Montessori School, all in Lagos.

The best three, who emerged winners in the FOLUKE SIJUWOLA FALAYI LITERACY DAY WRITING COMPETITION 2023, were recognised and given presents – a way of encouraging the young ones to begin writing early in life.

Among other the institutions that had representatives at the event are the National Library of Nigeria, Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria and the National Copyright Commission. While Channels TV, The Guardian and Phenomenal.com.ng were present, many teachers and other professionals rose to mark the day with Falayi, who is also a writing consultant.

She notes, “Literacy is a collective duty, a responsibility government and everyone should take up. You should ensure everyone around you can read and write. Encourage older people to enrol in adult education centres and every child must be in school. When you are not literate, you have to depend on others for even the simplest of tasks – at the hospital, at the bank, at pharmacy, everywhere.”