Nigeria: Lagos Lauds Leadway, Ouida On 'Festember' Initiative

18 December 2025
Leadership (Abuja)
By Zaka Khaliq

Leadway Group has received commendation from the Lagos State government over its Festember Initiative.

This followed the successful hosting of the 2025 Lagos Festember Read-Along Initiative by Leadway Group and Ouida. This platform spotlights and simplifies access to the city's diverse arts, literary, and creative experiences.

This year's edition brought together pupils from schools and learning centres across Lagos for an enriching reading session. It featured Guinness World Record holder and celebrated Chess Advocate, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, alongside renowned author and publisher, Lola Shoneyin. They led the reading of her book, "Tunde Onakoya, The Chess Champion," a story that explores his journey of grit, vision, and impact from the chessboard.

This strategic partnership aligns with Leadway's mission to inspire learning, creativity, and community impact, even as the collaboration fosters cultural engagement and sparks curiosity, imagination, and a love of storytelling among young learners.

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Speaking on the initiative, Niyi Abiola, Brand Communication Manager of Leadway Group, said, "The Read-Along reinforces the Group's long-standing commitment to education, creativity, and cultural preservation across generations."

"Through this Read-Along initiative, we want to reignite a love for books among children by connecting them with influential innovators, creatives, and storytellers. Seeing children connect deeply with Tunde Onakoya's story reminds us why platforms like this matter. When young learners engage with stories, they imagine broader possibilities, develop empathy, and refine their critical thinking skills.

"These are the foundations of productive future citizens. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to that journey."

Representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Busola Williams commended Leadway Group and Ouida for launching an initiative that promotes literacy development. She emphasised that the program brings relatable Nigerian stories directly to children.

She affirmed that these efforts align closely with Lagos State's commitment to enhancing reading culture and improving educational outcomes in public schools.

The initiative also helped young learners engage with curated books, participate in guided discussions led by facilitators, and explore new ideas shaped by storytelling. These efforts aim to improve learning outcomes and expand access to knowledge for children across Nigeria.

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