Abuja:Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to embrace reading, research, and innovation as essential drivers of national development. Akpabio made this call while opening the 2026 Library Week of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja, emphasizing the role of libraries as centers for exchanging ideas and preparing future leaders.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro, highlighted the importance of research for legislators to make informed decisions and enact effective laws. He urged universities and research institutions to address national challenges and support young innovators, noting that information alone does not automatically translate into knowledge or wisdom.
The Senate President also stressed that the nation’s greatest wealth lies within the minds of its people, advocating for libraries to embrace technological advancements while preserving critical inquiry. He noted that while artificial intelligence can provide quick answers, it does not guarantee truth or accuracy.
The NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, described the institute’s library as a strategic knowledge hub supporting legislative research and capacity development. Sulaiman indicated the institute’s commitment to service automation and expanding access to electronic resources, emphasizing the need for researchers to develop stronger information literacy skills in the face of information overload.
Prof. Chinyu Ahunobi, the keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of leaders demonstrating good reading habits to inspire younger generations. She advocated for sustainable institutional practices, including leadership reading programs and intellectual curiosity initiatives, to set a strong example for young Nigerians.
Dr. Catherine Ikokoh, the institute’s librarian, in her welcome address, urged participants to utilize local libraries and cultivate regular reading habits, highlighting the potential of access to knowledge to inspire practical solutions to community challenges.