The Federal Government has announced plans to improve literacy levels and strengthen reading culture among children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria.
The Director for IDPs at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Fatima Maman Daura, disclosed this during the launch of two children’s books in Abuja, organised to mark the 16 Days of Activism and promote hope for the girl child in North-East Nigeria.
Daura said the government will purchase and distribute the books, authored by Mrs Teresa Ameh, to children in IDP camps as part of efforts to address illiteracy among displaced children.
“We will purchase and distribute the books for the benefit of our displaced children,” she said.
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She explained that the commission has established transitional learning centres in states with high numbers of displaced persons to provide accelerated learning and ease the transition of IDP children into formal schools.
According to her, the centres currently operate in Abuja, Katsina, Bauchi, Zamfara, Cross River and Imo, with plans to expand to more states as resources become available.
“Part of our intervention is to improve literacy and numeracy, provide education, bridge learning gaps for IDP children and transition them into conventional schools,” Daura said.
She noted that locally authored books would help strengthen reading skills and promote cultural relevance in learning.
Speaking at the event, the author, Mrs Teresa Ameh, said she designed the books to meet children’s learning needs and capture their attention.
“I have been writing for children for over 20 years,” she said.
She explained that the books are colourful, concise and appropriately sized to match children’s short attention spans.
“The books are not voluminous. The size is just right for children, and the illustrations help keep them engaged,” she said.
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Ameh also called on media organisations to promote reading among children through jingles, programmes and newspaper columns, stressing that reading plays a critical role in shaping young minds.
“Children who do not read grow up to become adults who do not read. We need to start early and encourage our young ones to imbibe a strong reading culture,” she said.
She added that the goal is to raise children who are not only academically sound but also well-informed and able to interact confidently with peers across different backgrounds.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
