The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to promoting literacy, education, and girl-child empowerment in Nigeria. He gave this assurance at the book launch of acclaimed children’s author, Miss Teresa Oyibo Ameh, held on December 15, 2025, at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja. The event attracted a rich mix of authors, educators, civil servants, literary enthusiasts, and children, all gathered to celebrate a notable milestone in Nigeria’s children’s literature space.
The DG was represented at the occasion by his Special Assistant on Legal Matters, Barrister Abdulkadir Illiyasu, who conveyed the Director-General’s message of support for initiatives that encourage reading culture, quality education, and the empowerment of young girls.
Speaking through his representative, the Director-General commended Miss Teresa Oyibo Ameh for her unwavering commitment to children’s education and nation-building through literature. According to the DG, literacy remains a critical foundation for sustainable development, as it equips children with the skills, confidence, and values required to thrive in an increasingly complex world. He emphasized that fostering a strong reading culture among young people is not only an educational responsibility but a national imperative.
Rt. Hon. Yakub further stressed that empowering the girl-child through education has far-reaching benefits for families, communities, and the nation at large. He noted that initiatives such as those championed by Miss Ameh and the Aunty Talatu Reads Foundation align closely with NTAC’s broader vision of human capacity development and social empowerment.
The Director-General reaffirmed NTAC’s readiness to collaborate with authors, educators, and civil society organizations whose work promotes literacy, creativity, and equal opportunities for children, particularly young girls. He described literature as a powerful tool for shaping values, nurturing leadership, and inspiring hope in future generations. He concluded by encouraging parents, educators, and stakeholders to continuously support reading initiatives, noting that investing in books today is an investment in a more enlightened, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria tomorrow.
Miss Teresa Oyibo Ameh is a prolific writer and a strong advocate for children’s education. She is the Founder of the Aunty Talatu Reads Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to nurturing a love for reading among children while advancing girl-child empowerment. Her leadership credentials include serving two terms as Chairperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, where she significantly boosted the visibility of local writers and mentored emerging literary talents.
At the launch, the author unveiled her ninth and tenth children’s books, titled; The Rise of the Phoenix and Mariamo and the Bowl of Cashews. The books further underscore her dedication to building strong reading habits among children and promoting positive values. The Rise of the Phoenix tells a compelling story of resilience and hope, while Mariamo and the Bowl of Cashews explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and sharing, offering important moral lessons for young readers.
The event featured an engaging interactive session during which the author responded passionately to questions from the audience. Participants were treated to insightful reflections on her over two-decade literary journey, marked by consistency, dedication, and an unwavering passion for children’s development. The atmosphere was lively, with moments of laughter and inspiration as guests connected deeply with her story.
Beyond celebrating the author’s achievements, the book launch highlighted broader themes of education, empowerment, and gender equality, while reinforcing the critical role of literature in shaping future generations. Through reading and storytelling, children are encouraged to think creatively, learn purposefully, and aspire to greatness.
The event concluded on a high note, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of books and the importance of collective support in nurturing the next generation of readers and leaders. The shared commitment to literacy and empowerment resonated strongly, leaving participants optimistic about a brighter future for Nigerian children.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi , anipr
Head, Information & Public Relations
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
15th December, 2025
