NILDS DG Calls for Stronger Reading Culture, Research and Innovation

The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has called for a stronger reading culture, evidence-based research and innovation to drive national development.

He made the call on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the 2026 NILDS Library Week celebration held at the National Assembly, Abuja, with the theme, “Reading, Research and Innovation as Catalysts for National Development.”

Professor Sulaiman stressed the need to modernise library services, expand access to digital resources and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence while strengthening research and evidence-based policymaking.

Delivering the keynote address, the National Librarian, Professor Chinwe V. Anunobi, described reading, research and innovation as interconnected drivers of development. She urged institutions to prioritise problem-solving research, support indigenous knowledge and translate research findings into practical solutions.

Representing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Abba Patrick Moro, in a message titled “A Nation That Reads, A Nation That Rises,” emphasised that a nation’s greatest wealth lies in the knowledge of its people. He called for evidence-based legislation and stronger systems to transform innovative ideas into solutions for national challenges.

Similarly, Hon. Olabode Adewale, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, encouraged Nigerians to make regular use of libraries. He highlighted the importance of literary books in developing communication skills, emotional intelligence and positive social relationships, particularly among children.

1. The celebration reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to promoting reading, strengthening research and advancing innovation in support of effective legislation, democratic governance and national development.