Mohammed Haruna Yusuf
29 July 2008
As part of efforts to improve and revive the waning reading culture in the country, the Federal Government has embarked on the construction of a multi billion naira national library complex in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Ikpaahindi has said.
The Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Dr. L.N Ikpaahindi said that the ongoing project is being built at the cost of N8.6 billion and is expected to be completed and commissioned by 2010. "The national library headquarters is being built at the cost of N8.6bn and in a very strategic part of the town directly opposite the national mosque."
According to him, the federal government has since set up about 25 branches across the country and "we have just 11 branches to go," adding that the target is to have a branch in each state of the federation.
He noted that the branches have also been upgraded actively to meet up with international standards coupled with internet facilities and connectivity in about 12 libraries across the country.
Dr Ikpaahindi explained that apart from the internet facility, there is also a 100kv standby generator to improve the quality of service delivery. "People go in and pay very little money for the services compared to what they pay outside in order to get information from the library itself; if they cannot get them, they make use of the internet facility".
The Federal Government is doing very much to improve and upgrade the library condition in the country. Therefore, the states and local governments have to collaborate with the federal government to replicate same within their jurisdictions," he said.
"That is why we have the three tiers of government. It has done its part so the states are expected to recognise and accept the responsibility of providing library servives. There is no way the federal government would be able to supply all the needed facilities for the libraries.
Others have to move in and relieve the government," he added.
The Director, however, urged the private sector, multinationals and other stakeholders to also contribute their quota to move the country forward by developing and sustaining an educated populace.
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