Nigeria Int’l Book Fair Returns to Mainland, Holds This Month

Yinka Olatunbosun

The Nigerian Book Fair Trust, (NBFT), the organiser of the annual Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF), has announced that this year’s 22nd NIBF will take place at Yard 158 Event Arena, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja from May 10 to 13.

The four-day programme with the theme, “The Role of a Functional National Book Policy in the African Book Ecosystem,” will feature book sales/exhibitions, schools and children competitions, and  conferences.

Michael Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT) while briefing journalists explained reasons the book fair will not be held in Island like the previous edition. According to him, “the simple reason is that NBFT is an organisation that listens to, and considers the opinions and advice of those who participate in its events. There were complaints about the high participation cost when the book fair was moved to Lagos Island. 

“A request was made for an increase in the number of days for the book fair from three to at least four days. These and some other reasons prompted us to move the venue of the book fair back to the Lagos Mainland.”

Speaking further on this year’s activities, he noted that the body has included the tertiary education summit in their lined-up programmes to address salient issues affecting tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the summit would have major stakeholders in the industry as discussants.

He also noted that the international conference and opening ceremony for the 22nd NIBF will be held on Wednesday, May 10.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend the opening ceremony are the executive secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Professor Ismail Junaidu, the Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Dr. John Asein, and former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Professor Olasupo Jegede, 

Stakeholders in the educational sector such as the executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi and the special guest of honour, the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu are expected at the conference. Ditto the National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi and the Commissioner for Education in Lagos State. Mrs Folashade Adefisayo. The chief host of the event is the Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Oluwatuyi disclosed that visitors are also expected from Canada, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana and other African countries. 

Also speaking at the briefing, Mrs.Yomi Ogunlari, the pioneer Chairman NBFT also noted that this year’s book fair would be more educational focus and also all-inclusive expositions for all participants.