The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) recently concluded its 2023 National Conference on Reading and Annual General Meeting (AGM) with significant developments and exciting plans for the future.
During the event, a motion to return the existing executive team to office for another two-year term was moved by Dr. Udeme Nana, founder of the Uyo Book Club, and seconded by Professor Oyinkan Chukuka Tasie of the Tolulope Book Club in Ibadan. The returned officers include Richard Mammah as President, Prof. Felicia Etim as Vice President, Emmanuel Okoro as Secretary, Irene Okon as Assistant Secretary, Funmi Ilori as Treasurer, Farida Ladipo-Ajayi as Financial Secretary, Ekineta Annette David-West as Internal Auditor, Anote Ajeluorou as Publicity Secretary, and Adekunle Smith as Legal Compliance Officer.
Furthermore, Yenagoa was reconfirmed as the NBRP National Book Clubs City for 2024, while the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, received endorsement to serve as the National Book Clubs City for 2025.
The National Book Clubs City initiative, initiated in 2021 with Uyo as the pioneer city, aims to concentrate NBRP’s reading promotion efforts within a specific area for a calendar year. Each designated Book Clubs City is responsible for fostering the growth of book clubs and hosting the NBRP AGM and National Conference during its Book Year.
Chief Loye Oloowokere, NBRP’s FCT coordinator, expressed commitment to making the 2025 Book Year a remarkable success. Similarly, the representative of the 2024 host, Bayelsa, David-West, revealed extensive preparations for an outstanding event next year.
The 2023 NBRP National Conference and AGM took place at the Julius Berger Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, and featured Dr. Paige Pullen, Chief Academic Officer at the Lastinger Center for Learning, University of Florida, as the keynote speaker. Panel sessions covered topics such as book distribution, book club management, and various reading promotion initiatives, including the Pacesetters book series, the Nigeria Prize for Literature, and Guinness World Record read-aloud attempts.
In recognition of their contributions to literacy education and reading culture promotion in Nigeria, NBRP presented the ‘Champion of Reading Award’ to several individuals, including Dr. Ekong Sampson, Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, Mr. Adedapo Gbadega, Dr. Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Dr. Udeme Nana, and Abom Tony Esu.
NBRP President Mr. Richard Mammah highlighted the organisation’s achievements since its inception three years ago, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to establish reading clubs in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. He thanked individuals and corporate entities for their support.
The event’s theme, ‘The Science of Reading and Early Literacy Development: The Role of Parents, Educators, Libraries, and Book Clubs,’ was addressed by keynote speaker Dr. Paige Pullen, who offered strategies to enhance and strengthen the reading culture in Nigeria.
The conference also featured a panel discussion on Practical Tips for Cultivating Early Literacy in Nigeria and was attended by dignitaries from the reading and book ecosystem, including Dr. Jumoke Ajibola, Pastor Dominic Omokaro, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, Prof. Felicia Etim, Prof. Oyinkan Tasie, and many others.
In a concluding ceremony, the ‘2023 NBRP Champions of Reading’ were honoured, with representatives proudly displaying their plaques, symbolising their dedication to promoting reading culture in Nigeria.