The Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Delta State chapter, has taken its campaign for improved library funding to the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, with both parties agreeing that libraries remain essential to education, research and community development in the state.
Key Highlights
- Nigerian Library Association, Delta chapter, seeks increased government funding for libraries and information centres.
- NLA leadership appealed to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, to support library development in the state.
- The association urged the monarch to back efforts to establish a National Library in Asaba.
- The Asagba said libraries remain relevant despite advances in digital technology and called for stronger advocacy for improved funding.
- The monarch pledged support for library development, infrastructure, preservation of cultural heritage and establishment of a National Library in Asaba.
The advocacy visit, which took place on Thursday at the monarch’s palace in Asaba, saw the NLA leadership press home its demand for greater government investment in libraries and information centres across Delta State.
Azuka Chegwe, Chairman of the NLA Delta State chapter, who led the delegation, told the Asagba that the association is devoted to promoting library development, reviving reading culture and ensuring that citizens have wider access to information.
According to him, libraries are far more than structures filled with books. He described them as vital hubs for education, research, personal growth and the overall advancement of communities.
Chegwe noted that a properly funded library system would equip citizens with information capable of transforming their lives and driving societal progress.
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The NLA chairman also raised the issue of the missing National Library in Delta State, asking the monarch to support efforts to site one in Asaba.
In his response, the Asagba backed the association’s demands, insisting that libraries had not lost their relevance despite the fast pace of digital technology.
He described libraries as critical centres of knowledge, education and research, and highlighted their role in national development.
The monarch urged librarians to raise their voices louder in the fight for improved funding and better library infrastructure.
He further challenged the NLA to speak truth to power by drawing government attention to the neglect and poor funding of libraries, warning that no nation could record meaningful development without a solid education system and functional knowledge institutions.
The Asagba promised the palace’s support for library development in Delta State, government investment in libraries, the establishment of a National Library in Asaba, and the preservation of historical records, cultural heritage and knowledge resources.
The delegation also invited the monarch to serve as royal father of the day at the opening ceremony of the association’s 2026 annual conference, billed for December 3 at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
Those on the delegation included the Vice-Chairman, Grace Dada; Secretary, Mrs. Jacinta Ogonwa; Treasurer, Emuejevoke Ogo; Assistant Secretary, Patrick Ijiekhuamhen; Public Relations Officer, Esther Fadairo; and Director of Library Services, Mrs. Ediri Irikefe.
Others were Doris Aghoghovwia, College Librarian, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Mr. Remmy Edozie, Deputy Director, Library Services; Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu, National PRO; Mrs. Nkeiru Udoh of Dennis Osadebay University; and Mrs. Angela Owabor of the Government House Library.
