NAN-H-50
Association
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Jan.8, 2018 (NAN) The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has called on the Federal Government and other good spirited organisations to support the `A-Book-A-Child-Project’.
Malam Abdullahi Denja, President of ANA told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the project was aimed at giving out free books on cultural and moral values to pupils and students.
He said that the project was initiated by the association, and that the already published books would go a long way to enhance morals and cultural acceptance among children in the country.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal, State, Local Governments and other good spirited organisations to support us, in achieving our target of giving out the free books to millions of children in the country.
“We actually need financial support to mass produce the books and distribute them to pupils and students in primary and junior secondary schools across the country.
“The books are out; we have produced 6,000 copies only and have launched it during our 2017 National Convention in Makurdi.
“In addition, we have distributed the 6,000 copies to our 36 state chapters, and they are expected to use them in schools this January.
“However, we need support to enable us produce more copies and continue with the project,’’ he said.
According to Denja, the initial target was to reach at least 1,000 students per state, amounting to 360,000 students nationwide, adding that with more support the target could be increased.
He noted that with the current copies of the books at hand, the association had a shortfall of about 354,000 copies, to meet the 1,000 students target per state.
“So, it is only when we have financial and other forms of support that we can progress to do more on the project.
“It is important to note that the three sets of books reflect the cultural peculiarities of Nigeria, that will send positive messages to any child that will read it.’’
NAN reports that the three books are: “The Golden Girl of Galma’’, by Kabiru Abdullahi, “Oma the Drummer Queen’’ by Salamatu Sule and “The Loyal Queen’’ by Chinyere Obi-Obasi.
The free books on moral and cultural values would be for children in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in the country. (NAN)
CMY/FLP/EAL
========
Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Ekemini Ladejobi