YENAGOA, BAYELSA — The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck, has established a Reading Club at Comprehensive Community Secondary School, Yenizue-Gene/Biogbolo, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The initiative was part of activities to mark the 2026 International Literacy Day and was designed to promote reading culture and encourage students to develop interest in books beyond their prescribed school textbooks.

Speaking at the event, the Capoon of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arc. Timiebi Binafeigha, emphasised the importance of literacy in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to navigate an increasingly changing world.

He explained that literacy extends beyond the ability to read and write, noting that it also encompasses areas such as information and communication technology, environmental sustainability and other forms of knowledge essential to modern society.

Binafeigha said the Reading Club would provide students with an avenue to cultivate regular reading habits while broadening their knowledge outside the classroom.

He added that developing a strong reading culture could also improve students’ academic performance, particularly in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The NAS official called on governments, communities, individuals and organisations to support initiatives that promote literacy and help revive the reading culture among Nigerian youths.

The school management commended NAS for the initiative, describing it as a valuable contribution to the academic development of the students.

The school’s Senior Prefect, Miss Celine Tulagha, who was inaugurated as President of the Reading Club, expressed appreciation for the initiative and said it would provide students with greater opportunities to improve their academic abilities.

The programme featured a book-reading session, interactive discussions and a quiz competition. School bags, textbooks, novels and other educational materials were also presented to students and the newly established Reading Club.

The initiative is part of NAS’s broader efforts to promote education and literacy among young people in Bayelsa State.