Foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank
plc, has transformed the old Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba into a state of the
art learning and recreation facility. Executed in partnership with the Lagos
State Government, the project is part of the Bank’s YOU READ CSR Initiative
which identifies, renovates and reequips public libraries, turning them into
centers for learning and social engagements for students and the general
public.
Public libraries play a fundamental role in the lifelong mental
and intellectual development of individuals as well as in enabling broad
societal development. However, the inadequacy of public library services and
infrastructure in Nigeria has hampered the fulfillment of these crucial roles. Concerned
about the state of public libraries in Nigeria, and motivated by the belief
that quality education is crucial for nation building and a fundamental right
of everyone irrespective of background, race, or economic status, GTBank
created the You Read Initiative to connect people with a global resources of
information and knowledge.
With the goal of raising the Herbert Macaulay Library to
global standards, GTBank carried out a total overhaul of the internal and
external structures of the facility. These included a complete refurbishing of
the building, equipping the library with state of the art furniture, the
installation of computer and internet facilities to create an e-library and the
provision of books to ensure a pleasurable and highly rewarding library
experience. The Bank is also calling on member of the general public to donate
new and used books in good condition to the library in order to expand the
scope of resource materials available at the event.
Commenting on the renovation of the Herbert Macaulay Library,
Yaba, Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, stated
that, “We are happy to provide this much-needed upgrade to a facility that is
crucial to the academic and personal development of members of the Yaba
community as well as residents of Lagos State and beyond. Libraries are the
cornerstones of our communities, and the new-and-improved Herbert Macaulay
Library, Yaba will not only serve as a centre for learning and research, but
will also provide a warm and welcoming environment for sharing experiences and
creating new opportunities.
He further stated that, “At the heart of the You Read
initiative is our commitment to transform our organization into a platform for
enriching lives that offers our customers and communities, benefits beyond
banking. Beyond the renovation of the Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba, we,
through this initiative, seek to encourage and engage people, especially
students in all stages of their education, to read, build capacity, gain
exposure and connect with peers and educators around the world.”
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, the
State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Idiat Oluranti Adebule commended the management
of the Bank for the effort and role they have played over the years in
supporting education and sports development. The Bank have pioneered several
developmental initiatives such as the GTBank Principals Cup & Masters as
well as the Orange Ribbon Initiative to cater for children living with autism
About GTBank
GTBank is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best
run African financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves
as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world
class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.
The Bank’s footprints in Corporate Social Responsibility are guided
strategically by its decision to operate on four major pillars: Education,
Community Development, Arts and the Environment, which it believes are
essential building blocks for the society and prerequisites for economic growth
and societal development.
About The Herbert
Macaulay Library, Yaba
The Herbert Macaulay Library Yaba is one of the 12 branch
library in Lagos State providing free education and information for the residents
of Lagos State and beyond. Renovated by GTBank through its You Read CSR
Initiative, the Library offers free access to academic and non-academic books, internet-enabled
computers, exhibitions, and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. Originally
built in 1966, the Library was later renamed after the renowned nationalist,
Olayinka Herbert Macaulay.
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