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LIBRARY REPORTAccess to Books ProjectI met with the school management of Itohan Grammar School and New Era College about my intention to establish, refurbish and donate books to their respective libraries (spaces). At Itohan Grammar School, the Principal introduced me to the School Librarian (Mrs Ehijimetor) and we had a productive and constructive discourse concerning the revamping of the shape of the existing library, to meet up with the intellectual demand of the students. A quick tour of the library space showed an alarming paucity of books, being that the few available books on the ‘single’ shelf were old, worn-out & archaic, which is not quite relevant to the students in this modern world.The Librarian explained in detail, the needs of the library and as well gave useful suggestions on the types of book needed to nurture and sustain the reading culture of these students (which is indeed the main objective behind this project).After that visit, I went back to the drawing board to plan and itemize the most important aspect of this Library Project, which is: fashioning out ways to source for relevant books. As I stated in my original proposal to NYSC, the intended source for the books will be book donor agencies, publishing houses, writers/authors, bookshops/booksellers, book enthusiasts, foundations, public libraries and willing individuals. In susbsequent paragraphs, I carefully report my experiences thus far in getting book donations from the, hitherto, stated groups. Book Donor AgenciesMy first point of call was the internet. I research to draw up a list of major international book donor agencies (it’s an open secret that a whooping majority of foreign books in Nigeria are gotten under the guise of book aids and grants). After putting the list together, I proceeded to contact and intimate them about this project. Sadly, I was unable to get a satisfactory answer from this group for several reasons including scope of operations, wrong timing and non-recognition of charity status. In some cases, it was an outright refusal. However, the feedback wasn’t totally negative. I am currently awaiting feedback from the International Book Project, as I was informed my application is being processed. It is interesting to note that the financial costs of shipping books to Nigeria is daunting, to put it mildly.Publishing HousesThe initial setback with the book donor agencies did little to set me back on my quest. I made another list of reputable publishing houses in Nigeria especially the ones with visible online presence, as it is easier to contact them. I emailed the specifics of the ‘’Access to Books Project’’ to them and I’ve met varying degree of responses from some of them, while some didn’t bother to acknowledge the mail. I am happy to report that HeBN Publishers reverted back to me and requested I visit their office at Iyaro, where I was again quizzed on the specifics of the project and they kindly supported the Project with two cartons of educational books. Kachifo Publishing has pledged several copies of Social studies & Civic Education textbooks.With this renewed encouragement, I visited the branch office of Evans Books at Sakponba Road and met with the manager (Mr Paul) who was enthusiastic about the Project. He received my physical proposal and promised to contact me soonest. Till now, I await his call as he explained his response is hinged on the decision of the Head Office situated at Ibadan, Oyo state. I equally visited LearnAfrica Plc. at James Watt road and was informed that they do not have the power to unilaterally donate books without the directive of the Head Office.Other publishers such as Cassava Republic, Havilah Books, 1st Veritas Publishing, Spectrum Publishing, Parresia Books, Okada books, Lantern Books, Bookcraft Publishing, Black Tower Publishing while commending the initiative have all declined to support, citing various reasons such as austerity measures, non-acknowledgement, category of books being published not fitting into my request, and expended slots for charitable projects.Writers.I also reached out to Nigerian Authors, particularly the ones whose works are within the age grade and can be fully comprehended by these students. They include Chuma Nwokolo, Isaac Attah Ogezi, Seffi Atta, Eghosa Imasuen, Azubuike Eyes Okoro, Chigozie Obioma, Igoni Barett, Elnathan John, Nnedi Okoroafor, Ayo Sogunro, Tade Ipadelola, Obinna Udenwe, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, E.C Osondu, Irenosen Okojie, Chinelo Okparanta, Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi, Jude Dibia, Helon Habila, Chika Unigwe, Lola Shoneyin , Chris Abani, Richard Ali, Helen Oyeyemi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, Myne Whitman, Dami Ajayi, Titilope Sonuga, Taye Selasi, Efe Paul Azino, Damola Mabogunje, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Okechukwu Ofili, Molara Wood, Yejide Kilanko, Abimbola Dare, Hannah Onoguwe, Okey Ndibe, Friday-John Abba, Agatha Aduro, Othuke Ominiabohs, Chibundu Onuzo, Tosin Jegede, Godspower Oboido, Osaze Ehigiator, Toni Kan, Santi Femi, Emmanuel Iduma, to mention but a few.My mail was received warmly by Myne Whitman who is also the founder of naijastories, a leading Nigerian literary website. After quick “due diligence” to ascertain the authenticity of my corps membership, she pledged several copies of her books to the Project and even went further to inform a fellow writer about the project, who in turn reached out and promised to donate.Isaac Attah Ogezi was kind enough to post copies of his books from Nassarawa State to Benin City, it has since been delivered.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie acknowledged the mail, commended the initiative behind it and proceeded to donate copies of her books copying her publishers (Kachifo Publishing) in the mail. The Publishers have since donated copies of ‘’Purple Hibiscus’’ as well as promising to get back soonest on my initial proposal to them.Okechukwu Ofili (founder of Okada books) was initially enthusiastic about the library project, but he has since been unresponsive. It is hoped he will come around in due course.Elnathan John generously pledged two copies of his bestselling fiction ‘’Born on a Tuesday’’ to the Project.Dami Ajayi donated two copies of his poem anthology.Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi initially explained that she is currently out of the country, but directed a colleague in Ibadan to deliver 20 copies of her widely received book ‘’On the Bank of a River’’. A colleague of mine in Ibadan received it and way billed it down to Benin.Tade Ipadelola, a legal Practitioner as well as hugely respected poet took no time in pledging his books to the project, thus he sent them via a junior colleague who studies at the University of Benin, Ugbowo. I have since picked up his books.Mr E.C Osondu expressed his regrets, saying his books do not fit within the age-grade of the students promising to keep in touch while Chuma Nwokolo pledged his books to the Project. Since he’s currently domiciled in Asaba, Delta State, I’ve been trying to convince him to send by post.Dianah Aigiomawu is a benin born writer who is currently domiciled in Lagos as an investment banker. She was totally enthusiastic about the Project, donating sizeable copies of her book ‘’We are Still Breathing’’ to the Project. She has been really supportive ever since, periodically checking up on the progress of this Project.Other writers have either declined to support, yet to see the mail or unable to donate at this particular (Sefi Atta & Ayo Sogunro revealed their books is about to be re-produced and directed that I get in touch again soonest) time owing to some of the already cited reasons.On a brighter note, I have had an overwhelming donation of books from individuals who have expressed enthusiasm with the library efforts. BooksellersSpine&Label, an Abuja based online bookseller donated 100 copies of books to the Project. This was after extensive questioning as expected in a charitable gesture such as this. I was directed to inform them when the books will be needed. I have since taken delivery of the books which came in from Abuja. Havilah Books declined to support on the grounds that they only sell tertiary books.Jumia, the Nigerian retail giant promised to get back to me on a decision concerning whether or not to assist the project. The GovernmentI reached out to the Edo State Library Board and my proposal was warmly received with promises to get back to me. I was also directed to contact the Rotary Organisation in light of their ongoing book donation drive. I submitted a physical proposal to the rotary organisation affiliated to Benin City, with assurances my request will be considered. I am still soliciting funds to build the bookshelves required in the libraries as well as the chairs and partitioned tables.LIST OF SPONSORS AND BOOKS. The Names below constitute the authors, publishing houses and individuals who generously contributed in no small measure to the success of the Project.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: (10 copies of purple Hibiscus) Kachifo Limited : Social Studies TB 1 (3pcs); TB/WB 2 (5pcs); TB/WB 4 (5pcs); TB/WB (10pcs); TB/WB 6 (25 pcs) Isaac Attah Ogezi: (1 copy each of “Under a Darkling Sky”, “Embrace of a Leper”, “Thermis “Tade Ipadelola Esq :(1 copy each of The Sahara Testaments, A Time of Signs, Voices: Interiors and Exteriors : a Collection of Poems), 6 copies of Anthology of poems from other authors. Dianah Aigiomawu/Ose Ngamdy : 30 copies of We Are Still Breathing, 40 copies of Can You Keep Our Secrets, plus 20 copies of different Motivational books. Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi : 20 copies of “On The Bank of the River”Myne Whitman (Naija stories) : 20 copies of “Our Ram is Haram”, 15 copies of “Icatha: The Soul Eater”, 30 copies of “LOVE’S BEGINNING”, 25 copies of “LOVE’S SECOND CHANCE “, 20 copies of “LOVE BATTLES “, 20 copies of “Love Happens”, 20 copies of “Wiping Halima’s tears, 15 copies of “Seeing off Kisses”. Apapa Book Warehouse : 300 copies of foreign novels. Spine&Label Bookstore, Abuja : 100 copies of children story booksHEBN Publishers : 2 copies each of “Chike and the River “, “Bassey & Company “, “Passport of Mallam Ila, Moonlight Stories, “Conduct Unbecoming “, “The Secret of the Sheik”, “Incidents at the Shrine “, “First Day in School”, “The Ghost of a Millionaire “, “The Chicken Chasers”, “The Flights “Echoes of Hard Times, Women of Owu, Religious and National Values, Basic technology, Data Processing, Integrated Science, Biology, Mathematics (Js1, 2,3 and Ss1, 2,3), English (Js1, 2,3 and Ss1, 2,3), Business Studies, Verbal reasoning and Qualitative aptitude. 30 copies of Classic Nigerian novels. Dr Wilson Orhiunu : 20 copies of “Love Letters”, 20 copies of “My Time”. Rachel Azuka : 1 copy each of “I do not Come to you by Chance”, “Joys of Motherhood”, “Under the Udala Trees”, “ The Secret Lives of Babi Segi’s Wives,” “Oxford Learners English Dictionary “, “Master of the Game”,“Daughters Who Walk this Path”,”The Whispering Trees:Short Stories “The Last Duty”, “Solar Marner”, “Black Boy”, “Streams of Mercy”. El Nathan John : 2copies of “Born on a Tuesday “Dami Ajayi : 2copies of Clinical Blues. Seun Lari Williams : 2copies of “Garri For Breakfast”Mariam Badmus: A copy of “Americanah”.Abiodun Olashile : 2 copies each of “Born with a Silver Spoon “, “Animal Farm” and “Ige Adubi:The Vanguard Teniola Akeju : Over 60 different used textbooks in various fields such as General Science, Physics (Okeke and Nelkon), Chemistry (Osei Yaw Ababio), “ Modern Biology, New Secondary School Biology, Essential CRK, Essential Government, Essential Literature, Essential Economics, Comprehensive Physics/Chemistry, Spectrum Agricultural Science, NERDC Basic technology, Food and Nutrition for Secondary Schools, Bonjour L’ Afrique, New General Mathematics, Exam Focus (Mathematics, Literature,Commerce, Economics,Biology), Chemical Periodic Table Chart, Fundamentals of Christian Religious Knowledge, Data Processing (UNILAG), Shirt guide to SSCE test of orals, Essay Writing made Easy, “English Across Disciplines “, “Dictionary of Biology”, “Sociology for Beginners”, Lamlad Biology, New School Physics, Understanding Economics (Theory & Problems), 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Philosophy, Logic and Philosophy of Science, Rasmed Civic Education, Past Question Series 1988 – 2015 (English, mathematics, economics and government). Olawale Adedoyin : Top 10 of Everything, Guinness Book of Records 2015, The Art of War, Best Speeches in History, The Prince, Dreams from my Father, Nigerian Criminal Code, CIA: World Facts Book . Bibles For Everyone (SA) :3 copies of New Message Bible, 2 copies of King James Bibles, 15 copies of Gideons International Bible, 10 tracts and 2 Gospel CDs Adetayo Tolulope : Donated a generous sum of 10k which was used to transport books from Lagos down to BeninMofeoluwa Akinhanmi : handled payment of delivery of books from Abuja to Benin Bolu Osinbajo : received and waybill edition donated books in Ibadan on his personal expense. Olawale Adedoyin : handled pickup of 300 books at Festac Lagos Mrs Esther Ebele Jegede: transported books to Itohan Girls Grammar School, Sapele Road, Benin City. Otenaike Daniel: received books mailed from Nassarawa by Isaac Attah Ogezi Legal Aid CDS Group (BatchB Stream) : assisted in handing over books to the management of Itohan Grammar School. Semilore Akintayo : donated 70 foreign-themed Children booksAnonymous Donors (Chidi Okereke & others) : Donated over 30 textbooks and novels via social media platforms (twitter). Having secured generous donation of books as contained in the earlier report. I proceeded to source money for building of additional book shelves. Sadly the money was not forthcoming. I discussed the issue with the Librarian and English teacher of Itohan Girls Grammar School (Mrs Ehijimeto) and she suggested replacing all the existing obsolete books in the library space to accommodate the new ones I brought in. I was able to count on the comradery of my fellow legal aid CDS outgoing Corp members who escorted me to the school, and ensured the books were well received. Also, to beautify and encourage reading in the library area, I pasted inspirational and motivational quotes concerning the essence of developing an active reading culture while emphasising the need for Girls Education which is a major aim of this project. Imaguero Girls CollegeI encountered bureaucratic bottlenecks in establishing communication and intention to the management of New Era Girls College, New Benin which was supposed to be the second recipient school for the books. The school management was disinterested with the Project and couldn’t come to terms on the impact. My Local Government Inspector kindly suggested including Imaguero Girls College (Sapele Road) to my list of schools, so I simply replaced the former school with the latter one. The Principal of Imaguero College (Mrs Osunde) happily received the books and commended the objectives behind it. As at the time both Projects were done, the schools have concluded their exams.. Hence the low number of students to receive it. Also, the Prizes for Best students were received in trust for them. ExtrasMosquito Nets Donation.The Edo State Ministry of Health generously donated 40 mosquito nets to support the Project.The mosquito nets were donated to the students of Itohan Grammar School. ................
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