Lions District 404B5 Nigeria marked World Literacy Day with its Reading Action Programme 2026, an initiative that brought together learning, expression, creativity and giving in a celebration of the transformative power of literacy.
Held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Maryland, Lagos State, and Ekiti State, the programme provided an engaging platform for students to learn, express themselves and develop skills that would support their educational journey.
A major highlight of the programme was an inter-school debate competition, which gave participating students the opportunity to articulate their thoughts, defend their positions and engage confidently with issues before an audience. Beyond competition, the debate served as a practical exercise in communication, critical thinking, research and public speaking.
For the students, it was more than an opportunity to win prizes. It was a chance to discover the power of their voices and build the confidence to use those voices meaningfully.
The programme also featured a Back-to-School Donation Drive, through which students received essential learning materials, including school bags, water bottles, books, pencils, writing materials and other educational supplies. The donations were designed to provide practical support as the beneficiaries continued their educational journey.
The initiative reflected the District’s commitment to supporting young people and creating opportunities for them to thrive. By combining literacy advocacy with practical intervention, the Reading Action Programme demonstrated that service could address both the intellectual and everyday needs of children.
A Message from the District Governor
Speaking on the significance of the programme, District Governor Lion Phina Origho PMJF NLCF, who was in attendance in the Lagos edition, emphasized the importance of investing in literacy and the next generation.
“Literacy is far more than the ability to read and write. It is the ability to understand, to think, to communicate, to dream and ultimately to transform those dreams into possibilities. When we give a child a book, we are not simply giving them pages; we are opening a door to knowledge and opportunity. When we give them a platform to speak, we are telling them that their voice matters.” She said.
“The Reading Action Programme 2026 reflected the kind of service we believe in as Lions. Service that empowers, inspires and creates lasting impact. Through the debate competition, we gave our young people a platform to express themselves and build confidence. Through the Back-to-School Donation Drive, we provided resources to make their educational journey a little easier.” The DG reiterated.
“I commend everyone who contributed to making this programme possible, especially the organizers, volunteers, schools, teachers, parents and our Lions. As we commemorated World Literacy Day, we were reminded that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to dream and to become the best version of themselves. This was our way of helping to make that opportunity possible.” Lion Phina concluded.
A Message from the committee chairperson
Speaking on the programme, Committee Chairperson Lion Olapeju Hassan NLCF expressed appreciation to all the Lions Clubs, donors, volunteers, schools, teachers and individuals who contributed to the success of the Reading Action Programme 2026. She noted that the initiative was a collective effort driven by a shared commitment to promoting literacy, empowering young people and supporting their educational journey.
Lion Olapeju particularly thanked the clubs and generous donors who keyed into the programme and provided resources for the Back-to-School Donation Drive. She emphasized that every contribution, regardless of size, helped create meaningful opportunities for the children and demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when Lions come together in service. She expressed hope that the programme would inspire continued investment in literacy and the future of young people.
The Reading Action Programme 2026 ultimately reinforced a simple but powerful message: literacy opened doors. It equipped young people not only to read the world around them, but also to question it, understand it, express themselves within it and imagine a better future.
For District 404B5 Nigeria, the programme was another expression of its commitment to “Behold the Power of Service”; service that educated, empowered and gave young people reasons to believe in the possibilities ahead.
