Nigeria, June 10, 2016 – The Lagos State Government has commenced the total renovation and upgrade of the Herbert Macaulay Public Library, Yaba.
The upgrade which is being carried out through a partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) as part of the Lagos State Government’s Adopt-A-Library initiative, falls under the larger objective of the State Government to ensure increased access to knowledge for Lagos residents.
Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said that as a result of the renovation work, the Library would be closed to the general public from Monday June 13, 2016, just as he expressed optimism that upon completion, the Herbert Macaulay Library would become the best of its kind in Nigeria and rival any library facility in Africa.
Bank-Olemoh told journalists that the Adopt-A-Library initiative falls under a tripod pillar of Access to Knowledge; which also includes Project 350, a private-sector driven initiative to build libraries and ICT centres in secondary schools across the State, and the creation of an online library which will serve as an Education Portal and a repository of knowledge.
“Access to knowledge is a priority of this administration,” he said.
The Special Adviser said that recently, the Ipaja and Ilupeju Public Libraries were re-opened after a similar exercise was concluded, saying that renovation works would soon commence on the Isolo, Agege, and the Badagry Public Libraries.
“The Lagos State Government regrets any inconvenience this closure might cause. It is, however, for the benefit of the public, especially Yaba residents,” he said.
Bank-Olemoh reiterated the commitment of the State Government to building a Lagos that works for all, saying it was a key priority for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
