•Dr Osuigwe
The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) has unveiled a dynamic series of events slated for 2024 in a bid to rekindle the flames of literacy and celebrate its fourth year of advocacy.
The cornerstone of these festivities is the upcoming virtual celebration scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 7 pm WAT, to be hosted on the Zoom platform.
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Themed “Getting Back the Reading Groove,” the anniversary celebration seeks to underscore the importance of fostering a vibrant reading culture across Nigeria. Spearheaded by NBRP spokesman, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, the event promises to be an engaging dialogue featuring luminaries in the literary landscape.
Distinguished guests slated to join the virtual conversation include Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, alongside esteemed panellists such as Dr. Emman Usman Shehu, Founder of the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF); Dr. Nkem Osuigwe, representing the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AFLIA); Prof. Nkechi Christopher, Vice President-elect of the Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LPAN, formerly the Reading Association of Nigeria); and Dr. Kole Odutola from the University of Florida, USA.
Highlighting the significance of this milestone, Ajeluorou emphasised the pivotal role of NBRP in shaping the literary landscape of Nigeria. He articulated NBRP’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading and promoting literacy initiatives throughout the nation.
The celebration marks the commencement of an ambitious calendar of activities for 2024, aimed at galvanising literary enthusiasts and champions of education. Notable events on the agenda include the annual Lagos Book Walk slated for March 7, the designation of Yenagoa as the Nigerian National Book Clubs City starting April 23, and participation in key literary gatherings such as the Nigerian International Book Fair in May and the Lagos Book and Arts Festival in November.
However, the pièce de résistance promises to be the Annual General Meeting and National Conference on Reading, scheduled for September in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This flagship event is poised to bring together stakeholders, policymakers, and literary luminaries to chart a course for advancing literacy and reading initiatives across Nigeria.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of the 21st century, the celebration of NBRP’s fourth anniversary serves as a beacon of hope, reaffirming the transformative power of literature and the enduring importance of cultivating a nation of avid readers. Join the virtual festivities on February 7 as NBRP leads the charge in reclaiming the joy of reading and revitalising Nigeria’s literary landscape.