NIBF 2023: ANA, NPA, NBPR, REPRONIG and Other Constituent Bodies Unveil Programs

 

NIBF 2023: ANA, NPA, NBPR, REPRONIG, IFFRO, AND OTHER CONSTITUENT BODIES UNVEIL PROGRAMS

 

By: Wole Adedoyin

The 22nd Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) is set to commence today, and the constituent bodies that form the Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT) have officially revealed their exciting programs for this year's event. Among these bodies, The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria (NBPR), Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and the Reproductive Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) will be holding their activities on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the fair venue, while the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will have its program on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

The NBPR, which represents an amalgamation of all book clubs in Nigeria, will host the 'Readers' Parley' at 3:00 pm, with the theme 'Fresh Ideas for Reading Promotions.' Esteemed panelists for this session include prominent publishers such as Azafi Omoluabi, CEO of Parresia Ltd, Othuke Ominiabohs, CEO of Masobe Books, Amara Chimeka, CEO of PurpleShelves, and Dr. Raphael James, archivist and founder of CRIMMD Library, Idimu, Lagos. The Secretary-General of the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), Mr. Toyin Akinosho, will serve as the moderator. Mr. Richard Mammah, President of NBPR, emphasized the network's commitment to pushing the boundaries of reading promotion, ensuring that every Nigerian becomes an avid reader, ready to participate in the country's development.

REPRONIG, in collaboration with its international parent body, the International Federation of Reproductive Rights Organizations (IFFRO), will feature the 'Rights Awareness Forum' on the same day at 10:00 am. This session will explore the theme 'Reproductive Rights: Concepts, Perspectives, and Benefits.' Distinguished speakers, including Mr. Gbadega Adedapo, the newly elected Chairman and CEO of Ibadan-based Accessible Publishers Ltd, and Dr. John Asein, Director-General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), will shed light on the concept of reproductive rights. Furthermore, esteemed guests, Dora Makwinja, Joseph Gyamfi, Olav Stokmmo, and Sarah Tran, will join virtually from their respective bases.

The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has scheduled a workshop on the National Book Policy, themed "National Book Policy: Its Implementation and the Role of Stakeholders." The workshop will also feature a keynote address by Mr. Richard Mammah, President of The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria (NBPR). To ensure a warm reception, Chief Uchenna C. Anioke, Ph.D, the President of NPA, and Mr. Emmanuel Abimbola, the NPA Secretary, will be present at the venue to welcome all interested participants.

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), another significant constituent body of NBFT, will hold its annual 'Authors' Groove' at the book fair on Friday, May 12, 2023. With the chosen topic of discussion, 'The Place of Creative Writing in National Development,' Dr. Promise Adelie of Mountain Top University and Dr. Charles Akwen of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, have been invited as panelists to captivate the audience with their insights. Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun will expertly moderate this engaging conversation.

The Nigeria International Book Fair remains a cornerstone event in the literary and educational landscape, fostering a vibrant community of authors, publishers, readers, and book enthusiasts. The fair serves as a platform to celebrate literature, promote reading culture, and engage in essential discussions that contribute to the development of Nigeria.