A Grand Ceremony Marks the Beginning of a Year-Long Celebration
The 2025 Book City project was officially launched in Abuja with a grand ceremony held at the TETFUND Auditorium on April 24, 2025. Organized by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) in collaboration with the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), this event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration aimed at promoting books, reading, and literacy throughout the nation’s capital. The theme “Reading: A Unifying Factor” emphasizes the transformative power of literature in fostering unity and intellectual engagement across diverse demographics.
Collaboration and Enthusiasm Bring the Project to Fruition
Richard Mammah, President of the NBRP, expressed pride in Abuja’s selection as the 2025 Book City and commended the Abuja chapter and its partners for their tireless efforts in making the project a success. Mammah stated that the past year has been filled with numerous activities, including book clubs, readership campaigns, and literacy initiatives. He assured that the reading and books climate in Abuja will undergo a significant transformation by the end of the year.
- The NBRP has partnered with various stakeholders, including schools, libraries, and literary organizations, to amplify the Book City’s impact.
- These partnerships have enabled the organization to engage with a wide range of audiences, including children, students, and adults, promoting reading and literacy across all demographics.
- The collaborations have also facilitated the creation of a vibrant literary community, where readers can share their love of books and engage with authors and intellectuals.
A Vision for a Literate and Knowledge-Driven Society
Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, National Librarian and CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the Book City initiative in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering unity through reading. Anunobi emphasized the National Library’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s intellectual heritage and promoting literacy across all demographics. She recalled the unveiling of the Book City logo in August 2024 at the NLN headquarters as the symbolic beginning of the journey.
- The National Library of Nigeria remains firmly aligned with the Federal Government’s vision to build a literate, informed, and enlightened citizenry.
- The Library’s ongoing initiatives, such as readership campaigns, book clubs, literacy centers, and inclusive digital resources, are vital to bridging knowledge gaps and fostering unity through reading.
- These initiatives will continue to play a crucial role in promoting literacy and intellectual engagement during Abuja’s tenure as Book City 2025.
Reading as a Social Force
Anunobi described reading as “more than a personal habit—but a social force, a bridge across divides, and indeed, a unifying factor in our richly diverse nation.” She called on Abuja residents to embrace reading during the city’s year-long literary celebration, encouraging them to write, read, and share books as a way of life.
“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them,” said Anunobi, quoting American author Lemony Snicket. She urged citizens to make reading a fundamental part of their daily lives, using books as a way to connect with others and foster a sense of community.
A Lasting Legacy
With the foundation now firmly laid, NBRP and its partners pledged to sustain momentum and ensure that Abuja’s tenure as Book City 2025 becomes a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a literate and knowledge-driven society. The event was a testament to the enduring value of books in Nigeria’s national identity, and the network of book clubs and reading culture promoters is committed to continuing the legacy of this initiative.
The Abuja chapter of the NBRP is already preparing for the launch of the first book club, which will bring together readers from diverse backgrounds to discuss books and share their love of reading. The event will be followed by a series of literary festivals, workshops, and conferences, cementing Abuja’s position as a vibrant center for literary and cultural activity.
