As the Read-a-thon embarked on by Angel Osariemen Asein hits day two and the 14-hour mark (on Tuesday) already reached, 186 hours shy from the finish cross line, students from Emotan College, a only girls’ school, were seen at the Edo State Library Board where they had come to cheer the reader on in her reading competition.
The reader, who as at the time of visitation by the Nigerian Observer read books, which reflected Edo history, culture, religion and food from the confines of her special enclosure, was observed to be physically alert as she read pages of books aloud to the listening audience.
Comrade Amienye Omorogie, personal manager of Angel Osariemen Asein, while interfacing with this reporter said the reading process started February 23, with a 54-hour test run. The main event, he disclosed, started yesterday (Monday), February 26, 2024.
He acknowledged the fact that some Edo celebrities have come to cheer his protégée, Angel, on but that was not enough for all hands need to be on deck to encourage the reader who is showcasing Edo culture and proving that the Edo girl can read, aside the attempt to change the negative narrative that the average Edo girl is a professional hooker.
He noted that what made the process instructive was the fact that, Angel, grew up at Upper Sakponmba area in Benin City, an area where people, in their witty aphorisms show disdain or disbelief concerning the pedigree of the reader who they deride just like Jesus Christ by asking, “Can any thing good come out of Jerusalem?”
Comrade Omorogie continued, “Today, something good and something exceptional is coming out of that area.”
Speaking on the support from the Edo State government, he said, “Medical teams from the Edo State Ministry of Health have been on ground; they have been attending to her from start. Dedicated members from the Edo Health Insurance Scheme have even assured her of a one-year health insurance. This is complemented by her personal medical team who are all working round the clock to ensure she doesn’t break down despite having fatigue.”
It must be realized that in a previous interview, the Director, Edo State Library Board, Mr. Efosa Egharevba, had expressed his deep conviction at having the state’s public Library facility meeting requisite laid down criteria and procedures for the reading competition.
