Library has been
described as the epicenter of academic activities in colleges and institutions all over the world.
The Chief Librarian of the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Obiageli Nwodo disclosed this in her welcome address delivered at the 2014 Conference of Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Rivers State Chapter hosted by the university.
Dr. Nwodo said the essence of the library in schools, colleges and other higher institutions of learning cannot be over-emphasised and urged students and staff to see library as the place to be in their academic pursuit.
She also emphasised the need for school authorities to always ensure that modern materials were provided in the libraries for both academic and other research activities.
The theme of this year’s conference “Libraries for Empowerment of the Society and Citizens Challenges for 21st Century”, according to Professor Emmanuel Ayalogu of the College of Sciences of the University was aimed at equipping librarians and others on effective way of handling hi-tech equipment in the 21st century.
Ayalogu said the year’s conference which coincided with NLA election was timely and commended the organisers for what he described as a rich outing, noting that it would keep members abreast with modern techniques of library use.
Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Okwu has been elected as the new Chairman of NLA Rivers State Chapter while Mr. Victor Wagwu and Mrs Alice Ogbulu also emerged as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
The event took place at Donald Ekong Library, UNIPORT. Our reporter who monitored the event said the election that ushered in the new executive was described as transparent by stakeholders, contenders and other members of the group.
The newly elected Chairman, Emmanuel Okwu, in his acceptance speech appreciated the past chair person and her team for their impressive leadership and promised to take the body to the next level.
Mr. Okwu appealed to members of the new executive to work as a team to enable it achieve set targets.
Chris Oluoh
