The Delta State government has announced plans to convert about 27 state-owned libraries into community halls to revive reading culture and strengthen literary engagement across all age groups.

The state’s Head of Service, Dr Mininim Oseji, disclosed this at the LightRay/Distortion Orientation Festival held on Sunday in Asaba, where Project Echo Chamber was officially launched.

The event also featured the unveiling of Project Echo Chamber, described as the first student-focused literary festival in the state’s history.

Mrs Oseji said the government remained committed to restoring reading culture and intellectual engagement through the multipurpose use of renovated library facilities.

She said the facilities would serve children, youths, adults, and senior citizens by providing spaces for reading, discussions, and community-based literary activities.

“Turning our libraries into community halls will benefit the people of Delta of all ages, the children, youth, old and even senior citizens,” she said.

She added that the initiative is aimed at reducing excessive social media use and encouraging residents to return to reading and literary engagement.

Founder of LightRay Media, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, said ‘Phase One of Project Echo Chamber’, themed “DISTORTION,” sought   to challenge outdated narratives and amplify young voices.

She said the programme would help to address gender issues, youth development, toxic social influences, human dignity, and self-expression across the state.

Ms Umukoro described the project as a platform for storytelling, idea-sharing, and empowering students across all 25 local government areas of the state.

“Project Echo Chamber is not just an event. It is a movement,” she said, stressing its aim to ensure students’ voices are heard.

She added that activities would continue beyond the festival through book clubs, writer-in-residence schemes, and quarterly student showcases to sustain creativity.

Ms Umukoro said young Nigerians still valued reading but literacy must adapt to modern communication styles such as spoken word, video, music, and digital storytelling.

She described the initiative as a platform promoting literacy, critical thinking, civic participation, and creative expression among students across Delta.

According to her, scheduled activities include spoken word contests, stage plays, book clubs, book-a-thons, workshops, and a Delta State book record attempt.

Ms Umukoro urged students to use writing and storytelling to address social issues affecting their communities and future.

She cited Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka as examples of writers, who transformed society through literature.

Ms Umukoro also called on teachers and librarians to strengthen reading culture despite challenges facing educational institutions nationwide.

She also announced plans for reading-circle campaigns, library awards, teacher training, and literary outreach programmes across schools in Delta.

Also, Curator of Liber Bookclub Asaba, Daluchi Anaka, said book clubs build confidence, critical thinking, and stronger social awareness among members.

He said book clubs helped individuals engage intellectually with society while supporting personal growth and community development.

“Book clubs are not just about building thinkers but also confidence in culture and community,” he said.

Stakeholders lauded the initiative, describing it as timely in addressing declining reading habits and promoting intellectual development among youths.

Students, teachers, writers, poets, librarians, and officials from  across the state attended the event.

(NAN)