NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR COMMENCES TODAY

By: Wole Adedoyin
Nigeria International Book Fair starts today, marking the beginning of a 4-day program focused on the theme, "The Role of a Functional National Book Policy in the African Book Ecosystem." The event, organized by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT), will showcase book sales and exhibitions, schools and children competitions, as well as conferences. With an array of exciting and educational programs, the fair promises to be a stimulating experience for all participants.
In a recent statement to the press, Michael Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the NBFT, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and highlighted the diverse range of activities that attendees can look forward to. Starting on Wednesday, May 10, the fair will continue until Saturday, May 13, 2023.
One of the significant highlights of the book fair is the Tertiary Education Summit, which aims to address the ongoing crises in the tertiary education sector. This summit will bring together key stakeholders, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Benin City, and Chairperson of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof. Lilian Salami, who will deliver the keynote address.
The Nigeria International Book Fair, held this year at Yard 158 Arena, Opposite The Citadel, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, offers an engaging experience for both physical and virtual attendees. The fair is designed to cater to diverse book and reading tastes, ensuring that all participants find something of interest.
With book sales and exhibitions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore and purchase books from various publishers and authors. This aspect of the fair provides a platform for publishers to showcase their latest releases and for readers to discover new literary gems.
The inclusion of schools and children competitions adds an educational element to the book fair. These competitions encourage young readers to showcase their literary skills and foster a love for books and reading from an early age. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with literature in a fun and interactive manner.
Conferences are an integral part of the Nigeria International Book Fair, providing a space for discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking. These conferences offer insights into the current state of the African book ecosystem and explore the importance of a functional national book policy in its development.
The book fair aims to promote a vibrant reading culture in Nigeria and contribute to the growth of the publishing industry. By bringing together authors, publishers, educators, and readers, the fair creates a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas, fostering a thriving literary community.
In addition to the physical event, the organizers have embraced virtual participation to ensure wider accessibility and inclusivity. Virtual attendees can engage with the fair's programs, interact with authors and publishers, and access a virtual book exhibition, expanding the reach of the event beyond geographical boundaries.
Overall, the Nigeria International Book Fair is a significant event that celebrates literature, education, and the cultural richness of Nigeria. It provides a valuable platform for the book industry to thrive, encourages reading among all age groups, and fosters the development of a robust national book policy in the African context.

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