International Literacy Day: NAS Launches Reading Club at Bayelsa School

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck, has launched a Reading Club at Comprehensive Community Secondary School, Yenizue-Gene/Biogbolo, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Literacy Day.

Key Highlights

• NAS launches a Reading Club at a secondary school in Yenagoa.
• The initiative commemorates the 2026 International Literacy Day.
• NAS donated textbooks, novels, school bags and other educational materials.
• The organisation says literacy goes beyond reading and writing.
• Students were encouraged to develop a consistent reading culture.
• The programme featured reading sessions, interactive talks and a quiz competition.
• School authorities and students commended NAS for promoting academic development.

Speaking at the event, the Capoon of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arc. Timiebi Binafeigha, said literacy had evolved beyond the ability to read and write.

Binafeigha stressed the importance of equipping young people with knowledge and skills to prepare them for the demands of a rapidly changing world.

He said NAS, which he described as a United Nations-accredited organisation, remained committed to promoting a strong reading culture among young Nigerians.

“If we train the students to read today, they will do well in the future,” he said.

NAS Promotes Reading Culture Among Bayelsa Students

Binafeigha said modern literacy encompasses areas such as environmental sustainability, information and communication technology and other fields of knowledge.

He explained that the Reading Club was established to encourage students to make reading a regular activity beyond their prescribed school textbooks.

“If you pick that interest in reading and have a reading culture, it will help you to read your normal Physics, Chemistry and Biology textbooks,” he said.

The NAS official urged governments, communities, individuals and organisations to support initiatives aimed at improving literacy and reviving the reading culture among Nigerian youths.

“We are here to encourage these young ones that education is key. That is why we are here today,” he said.

School Commends NAS Literacy Initiative

The school principal, Mr Court Ogbuseri, represented by the Senior Tutor, Mrs Grace Obiyai, commended NAS for the initiative.

Obiyai said the organisation’s engagement with the students provided practical learning experiences beyond conventional classroom teaching.

She urged the students to apply the lessons from the programme to their academic and personal development.

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Student Becomes Reading Club President

The Senior Prefect and newly inaugurated President of the Reading Club, Miss Celine Tulagha, described the initiative as an opportunity to improve students’ academic development.

“I feel honoured and privileged. I believe this club will help us in our academic pursuit,” she said.

Tulagha appreciated NAS for establishing the club and pledged that the students would make effective use of the opportunity.

The programme featured the inauguration of the Reading Club, book-reading session, interactive talks, a quiz competition and the presentation of school bags and educational materials.

The donated materials included textbooks, novels and other reading resources for students and the newly established Reading Club.