NPA MD Urges Staff To Develop Reading Culture

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  As Readers Forum launch maiden book

By Kenneth Jukpor

As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency of the members of staff at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Managing Director, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman has admonished workers to imbibe a reading culture.

Bala-Usman who made this call during the maiden book presentation by the NPA Readers Forum in Lagos on Friday, stressed that employees must first learn to read for pleasure if they intend to meticulously read materials that pertain to work and enjoy the experience.

The book titled, “The Business of Becoming the Best You“, was written by the members of NPA Book Forum which initially started as a reading club before the idea of writing the book was birthed.

The NPA boss stressed that anyone who intended to occupy a position of authority in any field of endeavour must first be a reader, as reading guarantees development via broad understanding of various issues and personnel management.

“For one to get to the position of authority, there is need to have the attitude and culture of reading. As a result of this, one needs to be exposed at an early stage especially as a child to learn and love to read,” she said.

The NPA boss revealed that she became an ardent reader at a young age after her father exposed to several books in order to enable her form the culture of reading.

Bala-Usman also pointed that her love for reading enabled her quickly assimilate the numerous books and materials given to her during her first six months as NPA Managing Director to enable her understand the activities of NPA and the port industry in general.

“It is interesting that we have a book club at NPA, precisely Lagos Port Complex. The club initially discussed books and the outcome of that was the compilation of their writings which is the material that we are celebrating today. We believe that reading is a very good culture and for NPA staff to perform efficiently, they need to have this reading culture”, she told the press.

Also speaking at the event, a Nigerian poet and author, Mrs Lola Shoneyin stated that reading was key to developing better character, building one’s vocabulary and it ultimately aids writing.

Shoneyin, while speaking on ‘Imbibing the Culture of Reading’, stressed that reading habit was best formed when one was young. She admonished the NPA workers to buy books for their children and encourage them to read in order to make them better persons.

The author who was also responsible for the book publishing observed that there is reading culture in Nigeria.

“We have more varied reading diet that has to do with motivational, religious but not fictions. Reading teaches empathy which is often missing in Nigeria both from leaders and followers. My journey as a writer all came from reading, it is everything, it forms character, vocabulary and makes an incredible community,” she said.

Speaking about the book, the book reviewer, Ms Lawretta Egba, said that book is a viable tool to unlock the limitless potentials and possibilities within individuals.

“This book unveils the essential attributes geared towards character building and personal development. The reader gets clear insights on how to live a better life across all frontiers of our existence. It is a call to order and reminder that propels you towards optimum performance, sets you up for success and ultimately creates a world of good”, she said.

The former General Manager, Marine and Operations, NPA, Mr. Joshua Asanga, described the NPA Book Forum as a platform for people to read and grow in order to deliver efficient services in their respective divisions at the Authority.

Asanga, who played a key role in the Forum and the development of the book commended the NPA Managing Director for giving life to the book project which underscores the willingness of the management to reward excellence and innovation.