Festival of knowledge, movement for transformation at Nigeria book fair 2025
By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
THE city of Lagos has once again been set aglow with the vibrant pulse of literature, learning, and limitless possibilities as the 24th edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) took centre stage at the Balmoral Event Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Lagos State on Wednesday, May 7; the book fair ends on Friday, May 9. It hasn’t just been another event; it’s a grand convergence of minds, a powerful celebration of ideas, and a clarion call for Africa’s intellectual and economic emancipation through the transformative power of books.
Books are more than bound pages of ink and paper; they are vessels of knowledge, incubators of innovation, and catalysts for growth. In every society, especially in African nations like Nigeria, books are foundational to building an enlightened citizenry capable of driving sustainable development. Education fueled by quality literature leads to an informed populace, better decision-making, improved governance, and enhanced economic productivity.
When a nation reads, it rises. Books empower individuals with the tools to critically engage with their realities, create solutions, and unlock entrepreneurial ventures. From boosting literacy rates to promoting STEM education and nurturing the creative economy, the far-reaching impact of books on socio-economic development is profound and irreplaceable.
At the heart of every transformative journey lies a book. The Nigeria International Book Fair champions the idea that books are keys that unlock minds from the chains of ignorance, poverty of ideas, and socio-economic stagnation. Every page read is a step away from intellectual dependence. Books liberate us to imagine beyond borders, to question constructively, and to build with purpose.
For the youth, books are a ticket to a future filled with possibilities. For educators, they are tools of empowerment. For entrepreneurs, they are manuals for innovation. For nations, they are blueprints for excellence.
MD/CEO of Ibadan-based Accessible Publishers Mr. Gbadega Adedapo (middle) conferring with a guest at the book fair… in Lagos
What makes the Nigeria International Book Fair stand out is its ability to blend the academie with the artistic and the serious with the celebratory. It’s a festival that brings together publishers, authors, librarians, policymakers, educators, and book lovers from across the globe. It’s also a movement one that champions literacy, defends the rights of readers, and upholds the dignity of African literature.
Each edition of the NIBF creates invaluable strategic business connections. Publishers find new titles, distributors discover new markets, and innovators in educational technology unveil tools that will shape the future of learning. Authors form partnerships with translators and literary agents, while students and educators discover resources that enrich learning experiences. Here, conversations become collaborations and meetings turn into movements.
To everyone in Lagos, to every Nigerian, and to all global citizens who believe in the power of knowledge, this is your moment. The 24th Nigeria International Book Fair is a landmark celebration of Africa’s literary heritage and its future.
As the book fair ends tomorrow, don’t miss the opportunity to walk through aisles of inspiration, meet literary icons, participate in thought-provoking dialogues, and connect with those shaping the future of African education and literature. Bring your children, your students, your curiosity, and your passion for progress. The fair is not just for the literati — it is for anyone who believes that ideas change lives.
Let us read. Let us learn. Let us build. Let us rise — together!
