The Lagos State Government has applauded Leadway Group for its Festember Initiative, following the successful hosting of the 2025 Lagos Festember Read-Along in collaboration with Ouida.
The event, designed to make arts, literature and creative experiences more accessible to children, brought together pupils from various schools and learning centres across Lagos for an engaging reading session. This year’s edition featured Guinness World Record holder and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, alongside award-winning author and publisher, Lola Shoneyin.
Both guests led a lively reading of Shoneyin’s book, Tunde Onakoya, The Chess Champion, which tells the inspiring story of Onakoya’s journey, highlighting resilience, vision and impact beyond the chessboard. The session allowed children to connect with the story in a relatable and meaningful way, sparking curiosity and imagination.
The partnership reflects Leadway Group’s commitment to promoting education, creativity and community development. By blending storytelling with real-life role models, the initiative aims to nurture a love for reading while encouraging young learners to dream big and think critically.
Speaking on the programme, Leadway Group’s Brand Communication Manager, Niyi Abiola, said the Read-Along reinforces the company’s long-standing focus on education and cultural preservation.
“Our goal is to reignite children’s love for books by connecting them with influential innovators, creatives and storytellers,” Abiola said. “When children engage with stories like Tunde Onakoya’s, they begin to imagine broader possibilities, build empathy and strengthen critical thinking. These are the building blocks of responsible future citizens, and we are proud to support that journey.”
Representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Busola Williams commended Leadway Group and Ouida for championing an initiative that promotes literacy using relatable Nigerian stories. She noted that the programme aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve reading culture and educational outcomes, particularly in public schools.
Beyond the reading session, the initiative also gave pupils the opportunity to explore carefully selected books, take part in guided discussions and share ideas shaped by storytelling. Organisers say these efforts are aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to knowledge for children across Lagos and beyond.
