The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Asagba (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has called for increased government funding and investment in libraries, stressing that the institutions remain indispensable to education, research, knowledge development and national progress.
The monarch made the call on Thursday when the leadership of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Delta State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Asaba.
The Asagba, who emphasised that libraries remain relevant in the digital age, urged librarians to “use their voices” and make their advocacy louder in demanding better funding and improved library infrastructure across the country.
He charged the NLA to speak truth to power and draw government’s attention to the neglect and underfunding of libraries, noting that the development of any nation depends significantly on the quality of its education system and the support provided by libraries.
The monarch also pledged the support of the palace for initiatives aimed at promoting library development in Delta State, attracting government investment in libraries, supporting the establishment of a National Library in Asaba, and preserving historical records, cultural heritage and knowledge resources.
Earlier, the Chairman of NLA Delta State Chapter, Dr. Azuka O. Chegwe, said the association comprised librarians and library and information professionals committed to promoting the development of libraries and information centres, strengthening reading culture, facilitating knowledge creation and management, and ensuring access to information for sustainable development.
Chegwe described libraries as more than buildings housing books and other information materials, saying they are centres of knowledge, education, research, personal development and community growth.
He said the delegation was at the palace, among other reasons, to invite the Asagba to serve as the Royal Father of the Day at the opening ceremony of the NLA Delta State Chapter’s 2026 Annual Conference scheduled for December 3 at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
The NLA chairman also appealed to the monarch to lend his voice to the association’s advocacy for library development and draw government’s attention to the absence of a National Library in Delta State.
Members of the NLA delegation included the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Grace Dada; Secretary, Mrs. Jacinta Ogonwa; Treasurer, Dr. Emuejevoke Ogo; Assistant Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ijiekhuamhen; PRO, Dr. Esther Fadairo; Director of Library Services, Mrs. Ediri Irikefe; and other senior library and information professionals.
