The Federal Government has officially unveiled a record-breaking national reading relay initiative aimed at promoting literacy, family health awareness, and youth participation across the country.

The programme, titled “My Family Companion National Reading Relay”, for a Guinness World Records attempt, is the brainchild of Dr. Victor Otubo, a Nigerian author and health advocate.

The event is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 15, 2026, in commemoration of International Day of Families.

The initiative was formally launched in Abuja during a press conference organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, where an online registration portal was also unveiled.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mr. Essien Emmanuel, Director of Youth Health, Mental and Psychosocial Affairs, described the project as a youth-driven national movement designed to merge literacy, advocacy, and social development.

According to the ministry, the initiative aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, reflecting the administration’s commitment to strengthening family values and social wellbeing.

Essien explained that the reading relay seeks to break the current Guinness World Record for the Most People in an Online Video Reading Relay, which currently stands at 130 participants.

He disclosed that the target is to mobilize at least 300 readers from Nigeria and the diaspora.

He noted that beyond setting a new world record, the project is intended to raise a new generation of youth ambassadors committed to maternal, newborn, child, and family health advocacy.

At the heart of the initiative is My Family Companion, a health education resource authored by Dr. Otubo to simplify research-based health information and address harmful misconceptions affecting maternal and child health outcomes.

The ministry revealed that the project is being implemented in partnership with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria and Red Media Africa, with government support focused on stakeholder mobilization, youth engagement, and inter-agency collaboration.

The programme is open to Nigerians aged 35 and below, particularly young professionals in health, education, development, content creation, and social advocacy.

The ministry also referenced the global accomplishments of Hilda Baci and Tunde Onakoya as examples of Nigerian youths making a global impact.

In his remarks, Dr. Otubo said the decision to use My Family Companion as the anchor resource reflects a commitment to making credible health information accessible to everyday families and addressing misinformation that affects health outcomes across the country. (Nigerian Tribune)

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