By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Founder and President of LightRay! Media Books and Creative Society, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, has officially flagged off the first-ever Distortion World Book Day Festival in Delta State, calling for urgent action to revive reading culture and rebuild libraries across the state.
The historic literary initiative, themed “That Which Bends, Transcends,” was launched on Friday in Asaba and drew participation from government officials, educators, literary enthusiasts, students and civil society groups.
The event also featured the official launch of the novel “Distortion,” a Ministry of Education-approved literature text currently recommended for schools in Delta State.
Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka; the Capone of Vito Corsica Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Comrade Michael Chukwuma Nwaidei, represented by Hon. Uche Egbuche; Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Smart Edoge; Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay; Chief (Mrs.) Theresa Allanah, as well as representatives of the Delta State Reading Club and Asaba Rotary Club.
The dignitaries commended Umukoro for initiating the festival, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening literacy and intellectual engagement in the state.
They noted that reading remains a powerful tool for knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and personal development, urging participants to cultivate a habit of reading and inspire others to do the same.
According to them, literature has the ability to challenge existing ideas, inspire creativity and stimulate meaningful conversations that shape society.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Lady Ejiro Umukoro described books as powerful instruments capable of shaping minds, preserving cultures and transforming societies.
“A single word can tell an entire story. A sentence can form an entire documentary. A paragraph of poetry can ignite the mind into action. This is the power of a book,” she said.
She explained that the Distortion World Book Day Festival is designed to explore universal themes such as resilience, hope, identity, renewal and social justice through storytelling, competitions, poetry and performance arts.
Lady Ejiro Umukoro noted that the initiative is also aimed at connecting writers, artists and creative talents across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State, as well as diaspora communities.
She added that the festival would serve as a platform to amplify underrepresented voices while promoting cross-cultural dialogue within Nigeria’s growing creative ecosystem.
According to her, the project draws inspiration from the impact of the Distortion novel series, which she said has sparked conversations around social justice and inspired literary activism in various communities.
The author noted that the book series had previously stimulated advocacy efforts that contributed to legislative action leading to the abolition of the Osu caste system in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
While celebrating the launch of the festival, the Wole Soyinka Center for Investing Journalism Award winning journalist cum author also raised concerns about the poor condition of libraries across Delta State.
She revealed that many public libraries in the state are dilapidated, poorly equipped and largely non-functional.
Citing reports on the state of libraries, she said only about 16 to 18 rural libraries across the 25 local government areas are currently functional.
She identified poor infrastructure, outdated learning resources, shortage of professional librarians, and inadequate funding as major factors undermining the effectiveness of library services.
“Many library buildings are over 30 years old, lacking ICT facilities and modern resources. Some now serve merely as storage spaces rather than active hubs of knowledge,” she said.
Lady Ejiro Umukoro therefore called on government institutions, private organizations and communities to collaborate in rebuilding library infrastructure and promoting reading culture among young people.
She also emphasized the role of book clubs and literacy initiatives in sustaining intellectual development within society.
According to her, the festival will run for several months and feature competitions, workshops and creative showcases designed to empower young writers, poets, performers and storytellers.
Cash prizes worth millions of naira are expected to be won in categories such as best book clubs, book-a-thons, performance art, poetry, stage plays, skits, script writing and voice-over artistry.
The festival will culminate in a global showcase scheduled for March 2027, aimed at positioning Nigeria’s literary and creative talents on the international stage.
The event also featured spoken word poetry performances by Unumeri Success of Patricia Group of Schools and Onajite Prosper of Westend Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, who captivated the audience with creative presentations.
Participants were encouraged to register for the April 23, 2026 World Book Day Festival, with registration tied to obtaining copies of the approved literature text, “Distortion.”
Lady Ejiro Umukoro expressed gratitude to partners and collaborators, including the National Association of Seadogs and the Office of the Head of Service, for supporting the initiative.
She urged stakeholders to view the festival not just as an event but as the beginning of a sustained movement to revive literacy, strengthen creative industries and inspire a new generation of African storytellers.