Follow Us on Google
By Damiete Braide
Writers, publishers, booksellers and literary enthusiasts gathered at the National Theatre, Lagos, during the just-concluded Nigerian International Book Fair to explore the role of literature in shaping and rebuilding society.
The event, organized by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos State Chapter, featured a discourse on the theme, “Reconstructing Civilization Through Books,” and attracted authors, publishers, literary agents, students and book merchants from across the country.
Held as part of activities marking the 25th edition of the Nigerian International Book Fair, the gathering provided a platform for stakeholders in the literary industry to examine the enduring relationship between books and civilization and the role of literature in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
For many participants, the annual fair remains one of the most important gatherings in Nigeria’s literary calendar. Beyond the exhibitions and book sales, the event offers authors and publishers a rare opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and discuss the future of literature.
The atmosphere at the venue reflected this spirit of camaraderie as writers who had not seen one another for years reunited, discussing books, publishing trends and the challenges confronting the industry.
Opening the programme, ANA President, Dr. Dipo Usman Akanbi, highlighted the significance of literature in preserving cultural values and shaping national development.
Akanbi traced the history of ANA to its founding in 1981 and paid tribute to the literary icons and past leaders whose efforts helped establish the association as one of Nigeria’s foremost literary organizations.
According to him, writers have a responsibility to document societal experiences and inspire positive change through their works.
“We are wired to create stories and write to reshape society,” he said. “What informs who we are is creativity. Through our writing, we keep the literary circle alive and contribute to the reconstruction of civilization.”
He urged members to draw inspiration from events around them and continue producing works that deepen knowledge and encourage critical thinking.
The ANA president also commended the Lagos chapter for initiating literary programmes that bring writers together and strengthen the organization’s presence in the country.
Akanbi praised the organizers of the Nigerian International Book Fair and acknowledged the contributions of prominent literary figures, including former ANA President Professor Olu Obafemi and other pioneers who helped sustain the association over the years.
He further highlighted developments at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Mpape, Abuja, describing it as a major achievement for the organization and a growing centre for literary development in Africa.
The Chairman of ANA Lagos, Dr. Olatunbosun Taofeek, welcomed participants and stressed the relevance of the theme to contemporary society.
According to him, books remain powerful tools for preserving culture, educating citizens and influencing social transformation.
Taofeek noted that ANA Lagos has consistently promoted literary engagement through workshops, readings, public discussions and other programmes aimed at strengthening the writing community.
He expressed appreciation to members for their commitment and support, adding that the chapter would continue to create opportunities for writers to interact and develop their craft.
“ANA Lagos does not joke with programmes like this,” he said. “We appreciate our members for their enthusiasm and unwavering support. Their commitment has helped us sustain initiatives that promote literature and creative writing.”
The chairman also highlighted the role of Lagos as a major literary hub in southwestern Nigeria, noting that the city continues to attract writers, publishers and literary stakeholders from different parts of the country.
One of the highlights of the event was a poetry performance by author and poet Stanley Danjuma, who entertained the audience with readings from his collection inspired by life in Oshodi.
Using vibrant language and humour, Danjuma painted a vivid picture of the bustling Lagos district, capturing both its attractions and its challenges.
His performance drew laughter and applause from participants as he explored themes of urban life, resilience and survival through poetry.
The programme also featured presentations by school children who performed poems from their collections, earning praise from attendees for their confidence and creativity.
A session on book marketing and publishing was facilitated by Indian book merchant Juzar Badami, who emphasized the importance of attractive book titles and cover designs in attracting readers.
According to Badami, the title of a book often determines whether a potential reader will pick it up for consideration.
Other News
“A good title is usually the first thing that attracts a reader,” he said. “The cover design is equally important because it creates the first impression.”
The central discussion on the theme of reconstructing civilization through books was moderated by literary enthusiast Nora Sanya.
The panel featured Oladele Adejobi, Abiodun Babatunde, Amarachukwu Chimeke and Olusola Awelewa, who examined the impact of literature on societal development and cultural preservation.
The discussants explored how books influence human behavior, transmit values across generations and contribute to national progress.
They also reflected on the historical role of literature in documenting traditions, preserving folklore and shaping public consciousness.
Speaking during the session, Chimeke described books as powerful instruments for rebuilding societies and preserving cultural identity.
She noted that many influential literary works of the past drew inspiration from folklore and indigenous storytelling traditions.
“Books have always been used to rebuild societies,” she said. “Many of the stories that influenced generations were rooted in folktales and cultural experiences.”
She stressed the need to make books more attractive to children through quality illustrations, appealing layouts and engaging presentation.
According to her, encouraging reading among young people is essential for nurturing future generations of informed and creative citizens.
Awelewa observed that civilization evolves gradually and that literature plays a crucial role in guiding that process.
He noted that writers often draw from personal experiences and social realities to produce works that inspire innovation, reflection and progress.
Publishers, however, pointed to the economic realities affecting book production in Nigeria.
Abiodun Babatunde identified the rising cost of printing materials and foreign exchange challenges as major obstacles facing the publishing industry.
“All the materials required for publishing are imported,” he explained. “The exchange rate has a direct impact on production costs, making books more expensive.”
He added that publishers often advise writers on topics and genres with strong commercial potential to improve marketability and ensure sustainability.
The issue of book quality also generated debate among participants.
Adejobi expressed concern about the circulation of poorly produced books in some markets, noting that readers occasionally encounter publications with missing or misplaced pages.
He emphasized the need for higher production standards to maintain reader confidence and preserve the integrity of the industry.
Suggestions that low-cost, lower-quality books should be produced for students were met with resistance from participants, who argued that such an approach could undermine publishing standards.
Many attendees agreed that affordability should not come at the expense of quality.
The discussion further highlighted the importance of indigenous languages in promoting literacy among children.
Participants noted that teaching children to read and write in their local languages could strengthen cultural identity and improve learning outcomes.
The panelists agreed that literature remains one of society’s most effective tools for shaping values, encouraging critical thinking and fostering social responsibility.
Responding to questions about ANA’s contribution to national development, Akanbi reiterated that the association’s primary mandate is to support writers and encourage literary creativity.
“ANA is not a government agency,” he said. “Our responsibility is to write and continue writing. Through literature, we shape minds, strengthen values and contribute to societal development.”
The issue of book affordability also attracted attention during the event.
Author and journalist Sam Omatseye argued that purchasing books is largely a matter of personal priority.
He encouraged students and young readers to invest more resources in acquiring knowledge through books rather than spending excessively on less productive activities.
“Knowledge is power,” he said. “People must learn to prioritize what contributes to their intellectual growth. When you value knowledge, you make provisions for it.”
The gathering attracted several prominent literary figures, including ANA Vice President Obari Gomba and former ANA Lagos Chairman Dagga Tolar, alongside executives of the Lagos chapter and representatives of literary organizations.
As the event concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of literature in Nigeria and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting reading culture, creative writing and literary excellence.
The discussions reinforced the belief that books remain powerful instruments for preserving culture, expanding knowledge and rebuilding societies. For many attendees, the gathering served as a reminder that despite technological changes and economic challenges, literature continues to play a central role in shaping civilization and inspiring progress.
