Destiny Emmanuel, an author and life coach, has published a total of four books, all geared towards bringing out the best in young people. In this interview with Adewale Oshodi, he speaks on how youths can be guided towards making positive contributions to the society, and how to promote the declining book culture in the country. Excerpts:

Your books target mainly youths; why is this so?
   The youth are the future of any society. I say this because youths are vibrant and full of energy, and this makes them so strong and creative. A society with wayward youths is sure of a bleak future. On the other hand, a society with well-equipped youths has a bright future. However, with the situation the country is in now, it is the youth we can count on in order to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.
If we must be very honest with ourselves, this is not the country we all want for ourselves, and if there is little we can do to change it now, we can build the youth to create a well-organised society in the nearest future.
To guarantee us a better future therefore, we must equip the youth with quality education, because they are the leaders of tomorrow.
As an author, social worker and motivational coach, how do you think Nigerians can return to the book culture?
Previous governments did little to promote the culture of reading. However, the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Bring Back the Book policy, has beamed a light of hope in that direction.
The business of reviving the reading culture will be quite tasking, considering the economic situation in the country, but conscious efforts must be put in place by government and non-governmental organisations, to create awareness campaigns in schools, streets, churches, mosques, etc, on the need for Nigerians to embrace the reading culture.
I must also say that parents have a lot to do in encouraging their children to get adapted to reading at an early age. Parents should buy books for their children and read with them. This will, therefore, go a long way in reviving the book culture in the country.
Can you shed more light on what you think about President Jonathan’s Bring Back the Book policy?
The president has taken the right step in the right direction. I am so sure he arrived at this because he is an academic. The president knows the benefits of reading. He knows reading expands one’s horizon, so it is not a surprise that the president has decided to tow this direction.
We must not forget that the dwindling reading culture is also, in a way, affecting the quality of education in the country. Prior to this time, senior secondary school students were failing their external examinations enmasse. This would not have happened if they are well-grounded in the reading culture.
So, I want to commend the president for coming up with this policy; it will go a long way in boosting the education sector in the country.
Your new book explains how to choose a career. Does choosing a career need proper planning?
Yes, it does need proper planning. Life is full of choices and with them come possibilities. A person who knows where to go, need not ask for directions. He keeps moving until he gets to his destination. Deciding on what career to choose is a very sensitive and important aspect of one’s life as this may make or mar an individual’s future. Also, it must be carefully considered because of its short and long-term effect. A chosen career should not be a burden but a hobby, if its carefully selected and implemented.