The National Library of Nigeria, on Saturday 17th August 2024 held a stakeholders/citizens engagement meeting with stakeholders in the South West.

The event which took place at the Ondo State Branch of the National Library in Akure with reasonable number of stakeholders in attendance as well as the Management, and Heads of National Library branches in the zone.

Addressing the stakeholders in her opening address, the National Librarian/CEO, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi stated that the intention was to create awareness about the #nationallibraryofnigeria, its mission and vision, services, programs and activities. 

In a detailed paper presentation, Prof. Anunobi informed that the services and operations of the National Library are tailored towards the promotion of mutual understanding with stakeholders and citizens; building and sustaining public trust as well as pursuing programs and services to meet citizens aspirations, and best practices.

She further informed participants that the vision of the National Library of Nigeria is to Connect and Build an Informal Citizenry. While its mission is to Collect, Process, and Provide easy Access to Knowledge leveraging on ICT.

Prof. Anunobi further stated that the collections of the apex library is approximately 5.2 million titles in approximately 13.9million volumes, adding that the Library has presence in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a staff strength of 632 across the federation.

The National Librarian/CEO further explained the Mandate of the organization as well as her eight-point agenda, which serves as a guide in actualizing the organisation's mandate which is in sync with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In order to maintain constant touch with the citizens, Prof. Anunobi stated that the Library interfaces with the public through some of its programs/events, such as the Readership Promotion Campaign, Sensitization workshops, Electronic and virtual Services, trainings and capacity building which is carried out at the Centre for Advanced Library and Information Management (CALIM), as well as collaborations and partnerships.

Prof. Anunobi listed some of the achievements recorded so far which includes; digitalization, virtual library, automation of library services and operations, enhancement of branch library services, documentation of family heritage in indigenous language, to mention but a few.

In responding to the presentation by the National Librarian, His Royal Majesty, Oba Benjamin Omoleewo, encouraged participants to start making use of the library either by visiting their physical structures or through online, having heard that most of the library services could be accessed online. He promised to go back and preach the message of the National Library to his community.

He also charged participants not to forget our indigenous languages, which are a part of our culture.

Another participant, an educationist and a friend to the library, Mr. Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, who spoke suggested that the government should ensure that our indigenous languages are embedded in the school curriculum as compulsory subject, otherwise, the languages will go into extinction.

Other stakeholders; the Association of Nigerian Authors, the ICPC, Ondo State Library Board and others, all spoke on possible areas of collaboration with the National Library of Nigeria to enhance the organisation's services and impact the communities they serve.

Earlier, the Special Assistant on Administrative Matters, Mr. Dele Aworinde in an opening remarks said that the federal government has mandated all MDA, Agencies and Parastatals to host quarterly engagement meetings and let stakeholders know what they do and also get feedback from the people. He informed that the National Library of Nigeria held its first meeting in the Northeast, Bauchi State and Southwest is the second phase of the meeting.

In her vote of thanks on behalf of the National Library, the Director of Public Services Department, Mrs Olabimpe Olani appreciated the participants for their time, contributions and observations. She said that the National Librarian has taken note of issues raised and will do well to bring them to the table for further discussions on the way forward.