Books remain central to learning despite tech growth -- First Lady

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has declared that books will remain indispensable in schools despite rapid technological advancement, stressing their role in shaping children’s knowledge without distractions.

She spoke during a meeting with the United States Special Envoy for Best Future Generations, Charles Harder, on the sidelines of the “Fostering the Future Together Global Summit” hosted by Melania Trump in Washington, D.C.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady emphasised that while digital tools are important, reading books remains critical to deep learning and intellectual development among children.

“It is important for children to read books because it helps broaden their knowledge base without disruptions or interference from social media and related channels,” she said.

She reiterated that education remains a cornerstone of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the government is committed to building a strong and sustainable foundation for future generations.

“If you want to help people, you must first understand who they really are. My husband understands this, just as he did when he was the Governor of Lagos State. He is trying to sanitise the whole system and have a formidable foundation that can be built upon,” she added.

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Mrs Tinubu also disclosed that child nutrition would soon take centre stage through the Office of the First Lady, with plans to launch an aggressive nationwide campaign in the coming days.

In his remarks, Harder said the engagement was aimed at deepening discussions on the needs and welfare of Nigerian children.

He explained that the Best Future Generations initiative, a brainchild of Melania Trump, seeks to address critical issues affecting children globally, including food, nutrition, healthcare, and protection from abuse.

The meeting took place on the margins of the global summit, which brought together over 45 First Ladies from across the world to deliberate on emerging challenges affecting children and adolescents, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence.

Participants at the summit also explored collaborative approaches to safeguarding the wellbeing of young people in an increasingly digital world, while reinforcing the importance of education, nutrition and protection frameworks.