By Kelechi Achukwu-Jide
The Anambra State Government has commenced plans to partner with the Onitsha North Local Government Area (LGA) to revitalise the Anambra State Divisional Library, Onitsha, with a view to promoting knowledge, digital innovation and a renewed reading culture.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, disclosed this on July 22 during a familiarization visit to the library, describing the facility as a historic institution and a repository of knowledge that requires urgent restoration.
Dr. Mefor said discussions were already underway with the mayor of Onitsha North LGA to facilitate the proposed partnership, expressing confidence that the collaboration would restore the library to its full potential as a centre for learning and innovation.
According to the commissioner, every progressive society is built on knowledge and access to information, noting that the library’s e-library and other facilities position it to support Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, digital literacy and e-commerce.
He added that the facility has the potential to serve as a satellite hub of the Solution Innovation District (SID), expressing confidence that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would support its revitalisation in line with his administration’s education and human capital development agenda.
Expressing concern over the declining reading culture, Dr. Mefor said the library should be transformed into a vibrant knowledge hub where children, students and other residents can read, learn and acquire digital skills.
“It must not die in our time. This place must come back to life fully,” he said.
The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Tony Nweze-Nwora, commended the commissioner’s visit, describing the library as one of the area’s oldest public institutions. He appreciated Governor Soludo for prioritising education, expressing optimism that the proposed partnership would accelerate the rehabilitation of the facility.
Also speaking, the Director of the Anambra State Library, Ms. Obioma Obalum, expressed optimism that the commissioner’s visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter for the library. She prayed for God’s continued guidance and wisdom for the governor and the commissioner.
The visit featured an inspection of the library’s various sections, including the e-library, where the commissioner interacted with staff and assessed the facility’s infrastructure and operational needs as part of efforts to restore the library to full functionality.
Kelechi Achukwu-Jide is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
