ZODML laments 20% import duty on books, donates four libraries

Chief Executive Officer of ZODML, Mrs. Ifeoma Esiri, has lamented reports about a 20 per cent import duty the Federal Government placed on imported books, saying that literacy level in Nigeria is extremely low and the absence of functional school libraries has a lot to do with the situation. She averred, “An imposition of import duty of whatever amount can only turn a very bad situation into a monumental catastrophe.” The Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML) last Thursday boosted reading and learning of students with four new libraries, making a total of 10 Oasis libraries donated in Lagos State. Speaking at the commissioning of Holy Cross Primary School library in Lagos where a collection of 1,048 books were donated by ZODML, Esiri said, “ZODML’s vision is to see a Nigeria in which everyone has the ability to educate themselves.” According to her, its mission is to provide free channels through which Nigerians can access information and learning tools to acquire knowledge. The beneficiaries of the four oasis libraries include; Lagos Island Local Government Primary School, Anwar-Ul-Islam Primary School, Anwar-Ul-Islam Girls Primary School and Holy Cross Primary School, each library having a collection of 1,048 books. She explained that the library is called oasis because it is a small part of a school where the pupils are able to visit and quench the thirst for reading. The CEO who aims to double the number of libraries in 2016, lauded all the publishers who have given their tremendous support over the years with massive discounts and book donations. Moreover, she thanked the International Book Bank based in Baltimore, US for their support in sending 57,000 books for the future libraries. Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu who lauded ZODML for its gesture said, “It has promoted learning among teeming Nigerians through provision of libraries.” Her words: There is a compelling need for public spirited individuals, corporate bodies, foundation and social organization to assist governments at all levels in making education accessible to all as the yoke is heavy for government to bear alone.”