Abuja Book City Flag Off Ceremony Marks New Era for Reading Culture

Abuja, Nigeria – April 24, 2025

The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) has officially flagged off the Abuja Book City initiative, marking a significant milestone in promoting reading culture in the nation’s capital. The event is a culmination of months of planning and preparation by the NBRP Abuja Chapter and its partners.

The Abuja Book City initiative is part of the NBRP’s annual National Book City Project, which aims to promote reading culture and book appreciation in different cities across Nigeria. The project was launched in 2021, with Uyo serving as the first Book City, followed by Lagos in 2023 and Yenagoa in 2024.

According to Richard Mammah, President of NBRP, the Abuja Book City initiative is expected to bring sustainable national focus to reading promotion activities in the city throughout the year. The initiative features a range of activities, including book clubs, reading competitions, and literary events.

The NBRP Abuja Chapter has been working tirelessly to promote reading culture in the city, with a range of pre-event activities already undertaken. These include membership drives, outreach to collaborators and partners, and the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the Book City Project.

Some notable activities that have taken place include the unveiling of the Book City Logo, production of promotional materials, and support for the 2025 Abuja Book City event. The chapter has also hosted several events, including a special holiday virtual book event, celebrity read-aloud events, and celebrations of International Mother Language Day.

The Abuja Book City initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the reading culture in the city, with a range of core events and post-core events planned. The core events include the flag-off ceremony and the Annual General Meeting (AGM)/National Reading Conference of NBRP in September 2025.

Post-core events will include reading promotion activities, a spectacular event titled “Fixing the Reading Challenge Competition – Calling Abuja Students and Residents,” and a school competition with prizes for the winners. The competition is open to primary and secondary school students, undergraduates, and adults.

The NBRP Abuja Chapter has expressed gratitude to its partners, including participating schools and students, for their unwavering support. The chapter’s coordinator, Chief ‘Loye Olowookere, has commended the efforts of members and partners in making the initiative a success.

The Abuja Book City initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and collective effort in promoting literacy and reading culture. With a range of exciting activities planned, the initiative is expected to make a lasting impact on the literary landscape of Nigeria’s capital city.

Key Partners and Supporters:

• National Library of Nigeria
• Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
• Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN)
• FCT Education Resource Centre
• Kairos Tablets and Scrolls Ltd
• Boldscholar
• Rovingheights
• LightRay! Media

Notable Figures:

• Prof Chinwe Veronica Nwakaego Anunobi, National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of National Library of Nigeria
• Chido Onumah, journalist, author, and rights activist
• Senator Ekong Sampson, Chair, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development
• Dr. John O. Asein Esq., expert in intellectual property law
• Msurshima Comfort Chenge, founder and managing director of Fortham Publishers Limited
• Adedotun Eyinade, entrepreneur and public policy advisor

Participating Schools:
1. Junior Secondary School, Area Eleven

2. Junior Secondary School, Apo Resettlement

3. Junior Secondary School, Zuba

4. Junior Secondary School, Model, Maitama

5. Junior Secondary School, Lokogoma, Abuja

The Abuja Book City initiative aims to promote reading culture and literacy in the Federal Capital Territory, with various activities planned, including

Flag-off Event: April 24, 2025, at the TETFUND Auditorium.

The initiative is organized by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP), with partners such as the National Library of Nigeria, Nigerian Copyright Commission, and Association of Nigerian Authors.

The Abuja Book City initiative is a significant step towards promoting reading culture and book appreciation in Nigeria’s capital city. With the support of its partners and members, the NBRP Abuja Chapter is poised to make a lasting impact on the literary landscape of Abuja.