Reading is far from dead in Nigerian schools, despite what you may have heard. But here's where it gets controversial: while the traditional reading culture may be evolving, it's not disappearing. In fact, it's transforming in ways that challenge our assumptions about how stories are consumed and shared.
Nigerian journalist and author Tomi Falade, whose drama Olobun: Matriarch of Ondo, Mother of Legacy was recently featured at the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) awards book reading, offers a refreshing perspective on this topic. In a candid interview with John Salau, Falade dives into the complexities of Nigeria's literary and theatrical landscapes, shedding light on why the so-called 'death of reading' is more nuanced than it seems.
The Evolution of Reading Culture
Falade acknowledges that the traditional reading culture is indeed dwindling, but she argues that this isn't because people have lost interest in stories. Instead, it's a result of the sheer volume of entertainment options available today. From Netflix to Nollywood, and from YouTube to eBooks, the ways we consume content have multiplied. 'Back in the day, books were the only way to entertain yourself or lose yourself in a world beyond your reality,' she explains. 'Now, there’s so much content vying for attention.'
But here’s the twist: the fact that people are still reading, albeit in different formats, proves that the love for stories persists. Falade points out that many readers, especially younger generations, prefer eBooks, which can be enjoyed on phones, tablets, and laptops. 'It doesn’t necessarily mean that the reading culture is dying,' she asserts. 'People are experiencing entertainment in different ways.'
Theater: A Struggling Art Form?
When it comes to theater, Falade admits that the culture is facing challenges. Producing stage plays is capital-intensive and logistically demanding, unlike filmmaking, which benefits from special effects and CGI. 'If you’re going to put up a good stage work, you need money,' she notes. However, she remains optimistic, highlighting the efforts of artists like Muyideen Oladapo (Lala), who recently produced a successful stage opera featuring talented actors such as Omowunmi Dada and Lateef Adedimeji.
The Power of Storytelling
Falade’s own work, Olobun, exemplifies the importance of preserving cultural narratives. The book, which delves into the history and culture of Ondo, required extensive research, including visits to the Ondo State Cultural Center. 'If we don’t start telling our own stories, other people will come and tell our stories to us in the way they think it should be,' she warns. This is a bold statement that underscores the need for authenticity in storytelling.
The Future of *Olobun*
While a stage adaptation of Olobun is in the works, Falade acknowledges the financial hurdles. 'We’re in talks with a few directors to see if it’s something that can be done, even if it’s on the smallest scale,' she shares. The goal is to bring the story to life, whether in a university theater department or a larger production.
A Thought-Provoking Question
As we reflect on Falade’s insights, a controversial question arises: Are we too quick to declare traditional reading culture 'dead' without considering how it’s evolving? And more importantly, how can we support the preservation of our stories and the arts in an era of digital dominance? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that celebrates the resilience of storytelling in all its forms.
