As part of the Rivers 2050 Vision Project, we recently hosted a Key Informant Interview with Mrs. Koko Kalango (MON), Founder of the Rainbow Book Club and driving force behind Port Harcourt’s recognition as the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2014.
In this engaging session, Mrs. Kalango reflected on the journey that positioned Port Harcourt on the global literacy map and the enduring impact it has had on the state’s cultural and educational landscape. She emphasized the importance of fostering a strong reading culture among young people, not just as a means of education, but as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and civic responsibility.
The conversation also touched on the challenges facing literacy in Rivers State today, including access to libraries, the quality of learning environments, and digital literacy gaps, as well as what needs to be done between now and 2050 to ensure that Rivers emerges as a hub for knowledge and culture in Nigeria.
Mrs. Kalango emphasized that investing in books, libraries, and literacy programs is an investment in the future of Rivers State. She also stressed the role of partnerships between government, schools, NGOs, and parents in shaping a state where reading and learning are celebrated.
This interview contributes to the Education & Literacy pillar of Rivers 2050, offering insights that will help shape a collective vision for the state over the next 25 years.
Watch the full interview below