‎The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck, has launched a Reading Club at a secondary school in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

‎The initiative was held at the Comprehensive Community Secondary School, Yenizue-Gene/Biogbolo, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Literacy Day.

‎The programme also featured the donation of novels, textbooks and other reading materials to promote reading among students.

‎Speaking at the event, the Capoon of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arc. Timiebi Binafeigha, said literacy had evolved beyond reading and writing.

‎Binafeigha stressed the need for young people to acquire knowledge and skills capable of preparing them for the demands of a changing world.

‎He said NAS, which he described as a United Nations-accredited organisation, was committed to promoting a strong reading culture among young people.

‎“If we train the students to read today, they will do well in the future,” he said.

‎Binafeigha said literacy now encompassed areas such as environmental sustainability, information and communication technology and other fields of knowledge.

‎He said the Reading Club was established to encourage students to make reading a regular activity beyond their prescribed school textbooks.

‎“If you pick that interest in reading and have a reading culture, it will help you to read your normal Physics, Chemistry and Biology textbooks,” he said.

‎Binafeigha urged governments, communities, individuals and organisations to support initiatives aimed at improving literacy and reviving the reading culture among Nigerian youths.

‎“We are here to encourage these young ones that education is key. That is why we are here today,” he said.

‎The school principal, Mr Court Ogbuseri, represented by the Senior Tutor, Mrs Grace Obiyai, commended NAS for the initiative.

‎Obiyai said the organisation’s engagement with the students provided practical learning experiences beyond conventional classroom teaching.

‎She urged the students to apply the lessons from the programme to their academic and personal development.

‎The Senior Prefect and newly inaugurated President of the Reading Club, Miss Celine Tulagha, described the initiative as an opportunity to enhance students’ academic growth.

‎“I feel honoured and privileged. I believe this club will help us in our academic pursuit,” she said.

‎Tulagha expressed appreciation to NAS for the initiative and pledged that the students would make effective use of the opportunity.

‎The programme featured the inauguration of the Reading Club, book-reading session, interactive talks, quiz competition and presentation of school bags and educational materials.

‎The donated materials included textbooks and reading resources for the students and the newly established Reading Club.