Unifying Nigeria Through Reading: Abuja Hosts 2025 Book City Event

By E. R. Umukoro

Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, is set to become the literary hub of Nigeria as it hosts the 2025 Book City Event, themed “Reading: A Unifying Factor.” This momentous occasion, starting on April 24, promises to bring together book lovers, authors, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the book and publishing ecosystem.

Organized by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP), this event aims to foster a culture of reading, promoting literacy, and personal growth. As Chief ‘Loye Olowookere, Coordinator of NBRP, Abuja, aptly puts it, “Reading has the power to transform lives, and we are committed to making more Nigerians read by making books accessible to them.”

A CALL TO ACTION: JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The 2025 Book City Event is more than just a celebration of reading; it’s a call to action. We invite Nigerians from all walks of life to join us in promoting a culture of reading, advocating for literacy, and empowering individuals through education.

FLAG-OFF EVENT AND ACTIVITIES

The flag-off event on April 24 will take place at the main conference hall of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. This will be preceded by two main activities:

• An online reading event on April 5, featuring authors and book lovers
• A road walk on April 10, along the major streets of Abuja, to create awareness about books and the importance of reading

A UNIFYING FORCE

In a country with diverse cultures and backgrounds, reading has the power to unite us. It transcends borders, languages, and socio-economic divides. By promoting a culture of reading, we can foster greater understanding, empathy, and tolerance.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Let us come together to celebrate the joy of reading and promote a culture of literacy. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #AbujaBookCity2025 and be a part of this momentous occasion.

PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

The 2025 Book City Event is made possible through the collaboration of various stakeholders, including:

• National Library of Nigeria (NLA)
• Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)
• Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
• Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN)
• Nigeria International Book Fair Trust
• Nigerian Library Association
• Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA)
• Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LPAN)
• FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC)
• Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)

Together, we can create a society where reading is a vibrant part of everyday life, fostering literacy and personal growth.