By Michael Oche
The Galleon Bay Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has urged secondary school students to cultivate the habit of reading, describing regular reading as essential to their academic and personal development.
The association made the call during a World Literacy Day 2026 “Reading Clinic” organised for students of Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwarinpa, Abuja, to commemorate International Literacy Day and the 60th anniversary of NAS.
The event, themed “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity,” featured guided reading, book discussions and motivational engagements with the students.
Speaking during the programme, the Capoon of Galleon Bay Deck, Barrister Adie Aplife challenged the students to make reading a personal goal, promising to reward those who demonstrate commitment by the number of books they read before the end of the term.
The Capoon also encouraged the students to see reading beyond an academic requirement, but as a habit that could broaden their knowledge and shape their future.
A senior member of the Galleon Bay Deck, Mr Samuel Abhulimen, similarly advised the students to read regularly, noting that reading plays an important role in determining their future.
Earlier, the Principal of GSS Gwarinpa, Mr Abubakar Ajayi, welcomed the partnership between the school and NAS, describing it as an opportunity to support education and development among the students.
Ajayi said the partnership would also serve as a mentorship platform through which the students could benefit from the experience and guidance of resourceful organisations.
As part of efforts to sustain the reading culture beyond the programme, Galleon Bay Deck donated 40 age-appropriate novels to the school.
The books were received on behalf of the school by the Vice Principal, Academics, Mr Atsi Samuel.
The organisers said the donation was intended to encourage the students to continue reading after the literacy programme and make books a regular part of their learning experience.
