By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Limited, Ms Miriam Olusanya, has described the You Read initiative of the company as a platform designed to nurture talents and reward creative enterprise.
She said this at a book reading event organised by the lender on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the Herbert Macauley Library, Yaba, aimed to champion continuous learning and promote a reading culture across Africa as part of its CSR policy.
At the interactive programme, the author of Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad, Ms Damilare Kuku, recited different portions of the book and explained her influences.
She also offered some colour to her characters which fed the audiences’ curiosity and sparked a range of reactions. Attendees were allowed to join the discussion, and some shared their personal experiences.
Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad is a fiction that chronicles the experiences of various women as they navigate the world of friendships, dating, and marriage in Africa’s most populous metropolis.
Each of the 12 stories employs brilliant characterization and witty dialogue to deliver relatable content and evoke familiar emotions.
“Reading is a rewarding life-long practice that greatly impacts the quality of life – from building character and shaping thought to guide ambition.
“With GTBank You Read initiative, we are providing a platform that nurtures talent and rewards creative enterprise whilst fostering social engagement, especially amongst youths in the society,” the GTBank MD said.
“We will continue to explore opportunities to expand our reach and impact with this initiative as it demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating better outcomes for people and the communities where we operate through education,” she added.
Last Sunday’s event was compered by Judith Atibi, radio personality and broadcast journalist, and featured a poetry act by Kolade Pelumi, a budding spoken word artist.
The Herbert Macauley Library was refurbished and equipped by GTBank in 2017. The project, which was executed in partnership with the Lagos State Government, included internal and external remodelling of the physical structure, refitting of furniture, installation of computers and internet facilities to start an e-library, as well as provision of new books.
GTBank is the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, a leading financial services company providing banking and non-banking services across 11 countries spanning West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom.
The group operates a diversified, proudly African franchise. It is renowned for its innovative approach to customer service and stakeholder engagement, especially through its non-profit, consumer-focused fairs and capacity-building initiatives for small businesses and individuals. It has endeared the brand to millions across Africa and beyond.
Dipo Olowookere 
Aduragbemi Omiyale