What? No New Book in 22 Years? This Is Serious

Candid Joe Wrote This in Daily Trust.

I hope you heard this tale from Benue, which is taller than a heap of pounded yam assembled at a Tiv traditional wedding party.
The Benue State Library in Makurdi last bought a book in 1991, and that is official. According to Mr Shima Kosu, the deputy director of the Benue Library Board, the library bought some new books when the library building was commissioned in 1991 and since then, not one new book of any kind has been bought by the "library." It did get a few new books over the years but not due to its own efforts; Kosu said Book Aid International donated some books to the library, though even that was 7 years ago.

Mr Kosu said several other interesting things. He dismissed insinuations in some digital-age quarters that it is the coming of e-books that is threatening the local library, and he clearly has a point because when the Benue State Government last voted money for the purchase of library books, there was probably no personal computer anywhere in Benue State, not to mention internet service or e-book. Not only that. Even in the days when the books were being bought, the deputy director said "books were supplied regardless of their relevance to the reading needs of the public". Besides, he said local publishers who are bound by law to deposit copies of their books in local libraries no longer bother to do so.

The Benue State Government voted not a single kobo to buy books in 22 years. That is real foresight on its part. However, in that time period, I will like to know how many times it changed Government House furniture, beddings and cutlery,am also aware that a New Government House has being built. I am sure that no new First Lady worth her salt who arrives at the Government House in Makurdi would agree to use the same cutlery that was used by her predecessor, not to mention to sleep in the same beds, mattresses and beddings that were used by the former First Couple. I doubt if anyone can count the number of times that Benue Government House changed its protocol and security cars, how many times it repainted its walls and how many times it changed air conditioners, security gadgets and wall to wall carpets in order that visitors to Makurdi will receive a befitting reception. But it forgot to vote a single kobo for the purchase of library books. Well done. Quite a transformation agenda that operates in Benue!


Candid Joe writes for DailyTrust Newspaper.