Lagos applauds Leadway, Ouida for inspiring Festember Read-Along with Onakoya, Shoneyin”

Leadway Group, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-banking financial services providers, has received commendation from the Lagos State Government. This followed Leadway Group and Ouida’s successful hosting of the 2025 Lagos Festember Read-Along Initiative, a platform that spotlights and simplifies access to the city’s diverse arts, literary, and creative experiences.

A statement on today said this year’s edition brought together pupils from schools and learning centers across Lagos for an enriching reading session. It featured Guinness World Record holder, celebrated Chess Advocate, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, alongside renowned Author and Publisher, Lola Shoneyin. They led the reading of her book, “Tunde Onakoya, The Chess Champion,” a story that explores his journey of grit, vision, and impact from the chessboard.

This strategic partnership aligns with Leadway’s mission to inspire learning, creativity, and community impact. The collaboration fosters cultural engagement and sparks curiosity, imagination, and a love of storytelling among young learners.

Speaking on the initiative, the Brand Communication Manager of Leadway Group, Niyi Abiola, said the Read-Along reinforces the Group’s long-standing commitment to education, creativity, and cultural preservation across generations.

“Through this Read-Along initiative, we want to reignite a love for books among children by connecting them with influential innovators, creatives, and storytellers. Seeing children connect deeply with Tunde Onakoya’s story reminds us why platforms like this matter. When young learners engage with stories, they imagine broader possibilities, build empathy, and strengthen critical-thinking skills. These are the foundations of productive future citizens. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to that journey.”

Representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Busola Williams commended Leadway Group and Ouida for launching an initiative that develops literacy. She emphasised that the program brings relatable Nigerian stories directly to children. She affirmed that these efforts align strongly with Lagos State’s commitment to improving reading culture and educational outcomes in public schools.

The initiative also helped the young learners engage with curated books, participate in guided discussions led by facilitators, and explore new ideas shaped by storytelling. These efforts aim to improve learning outcomes and expand access to knowledge for children across Nigeria.

Leadway’s involvement aligns with its broader educational interventions. These include previous book donation drives, youth empowerment programmes, and mentorship efforts such as the Pages to Places Initiative. This collaboration highlights Leadway Group’s commitment to strengthening literacy as a catalyst for critical thinking, innovation, and enduring national development.