Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has been selected to host the 2025 Book City event, scheduled to begin on April 24. Themed “Reading: A Unifying Factor,” the event aims to encourage a culture of reading across Nigeria.
The Book City initiative is spearheaded by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP), an organization established in 2020 to promote literacy and reading culture. Each year, the NBRP designates a city with an active reading community as the Book City, serving as the national hub for reading promotion. Through a rigorous selection process in 2023, Abuja was chosen as the Book City for 2025, following previous hosts Uyo (2021 & 2022), Lagos (2023), and Yenagoa (2024).
A Year-Long Commitment to Literacy
Being designated as a Book City means Abuja will serve as a focal point for nationwide reading activities throughout 2025. The official flag-off ceremony will take place on April 24, 2025, at the Main Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. The event will bring together students, teachers, parents, academics, researchers, policymakers, and various stakeholders from the book and publishing industry, including:
- National Library of Nigeria (NLA)
- Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)
- Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
- Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN)
- Nigeria International Book Fair Trust
- Nigerian Library Association
- Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA)
- Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LPAN)
- FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC)
- Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Chief ‘Loye Olowookere, NBRP Abuja Coordinator, emphasized the transformative power of reading, stating: “Reading has the power to change lives, and we are committed to making books more accessible to Nigerians to encourage a lifelong reading habit.”
Pre-Event Activities to Raise Awareness
Ahead of the official launch, two key activities will be held to promote the event:
- Online Reading Event (April 5, 2025): An interactive virtual session featuring authors and book lovers.
- Awareness Road Walk (April 10, 2025): A public walk through major streets in Abuja to highlight the importance of books and reading.
By hosting the 2025 Book City event, Abuja will take center stage in national literacy efforts, fostering a culture where reading becomes an integral part of everyday life.
