There is a growing appeal for the government, Nigerian citizens, and key players in the literary sector to prioritize and nurture the country’s intellectual heritage.
This appeal was emphasized by Dr. Dominic Omenaghawon Omokaro, who delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Conference on Reading and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP), recently convened in Abuja.
Dr. Omokaro highlighted that fostering Nigeria’s intellectual environment is crucial to overcoming the nation’s weak reading habits and leveraging the cohesive power that literature offers to society.
“Engaging with books brings us together in profound ways; it strengthens our national identity by safeguarding our collective history and cultural legacy. Literature paves the way for meaningful conversations, reminding us that despite our diverse ethnicities and languages, we share a common humanity,” he explained.
Nevertheless, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) expressed concern over Nigeria’s failure to fully benefit from reading due to the lack of essential infrastructure and support systems. Key challenges include the scarcity or complete absence of libraries in educational institutions and communities, prohibitive book prices, limited access to a wide range of reading materials, and a shortage of literature that reflects both our cultural diversity and shared experiences.
To address these issues, Omokaro proposed enhancing the presence and activities of reading and book clubs, especially in rural and underserved regions. He also urged the revitalization of school and community libraries through partnerships with both governmental and private sectors, alongside the promotion of indigenous literary works.
During the event, the NBRP honored two distinguished individuals with the 2025 Champions of Reading Award: Professor Chinwe V. Anunobi, CEO of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), and Awele Ilusanmi, President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria.
Professor Anunobi received recognition for her successful efforts in digitizing the National Library’s resources and services, as well as her commitment to encouraging reading among youth and rural populations through an eight-point strategic plan initiated since 2021. The National Library has also played a pivotal role as a partner in this year’s NBRP Abuja Book City Programme. Meanwhile, Ilusanmi was celebrated for her significant contributions and unwavering support to Nigeria’s literary community.
In her remarks, Anunobi praised the NBRP’s unwavering dedication to advancing a culture of reading in Nigeria despite numerous challenges.
“I appreciate the NBRP’s perseverance, especially when faced with limited backing from publishers, authors, and critics of reading culture,” she stated.
“I also commend myself. If just ten percent of Nigerians join me in this mission, it would spark meaningful transformation and foster national unity.”
Alongside the Poetry Reading Competition featured at the conference, attendees-including students, educators, and literary stakeholders-engaged in panel discussions with book publishers and bookstore owners. These sessions explored the vital role bookstores play as bridges between readers and publishers, strategies for cultivating a loyal reading audience, and ways to make books more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.
Under the theme “Reading: A Unifying Factor,” the conference and AGM are annual fixtures of the NBRP and integral components of its Book City initiative, with Abuja designated as the 2025 Book City.
