By The 2025 Book City Project has officially kicked off in Abuja with a vibrant opening ceremony and reading competition, signaling the start of a year-long celebration of books, literacy, and reading culture across the Federal Capital Territory.
Organized by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Practitioners (NBRP) in partnership with the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), the initiative aims to ignite a passion for reading among residents while spotlighting the role of literacy in national development.
Themed “Reading, A Unifying Factor,” the event began just a day after World Book Day and marks Abuja’s debut as the designated Book City for 2025. Past editions have taken place in Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Lagos.
Speaking at the launch held in Abuja, the National Librarian, Prof. Veronica Anunobi, emphasized the transformational power of reading. “Reading is not just a habit, it’s a bridge between ignorance and knowledge, the first sign of critical thinking,” she stated.
Encouraging active participation throughout the year, Anunobi urged parents and guardians to instill the habit of reading in their children. “If you cannot read, listen to audiobooks. Read with your children. Let the spirit of the book city shine through your homes.”
The opening ceremony featured a junior secondary school reading competition in which Junior Secondary School Apo emerged victorious. Participants were also gifted a literature text to review and share online using the hashtag #2025AbujaBookCity.
The official Book City logo will be unveiled in August 2024 at the National Library. Other activities lined up include a book review competition, city-wide book walk, and literacy outreach programs—all aimed at engaging the public creatively and inclusively.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr. John Asein, called for greater investment in reading infrastructure and support for underserved groups.
“We must ensure that libraries, book corners, and literacy programs reach rural areas and cater to people with disabilities, including the deaf and blind,” Asein said.
He also warned against the dangers of book piracy, calling it a “public offense” that robs authors of their rights. “Under the NCC Act of 2022, book pirates now face up to 10 years in prison, without the option of fine or bail,” he said, stressing the Commission’s commitment to protecting intellectual property.
The Abuja Book City 2025 will run from April 24, 2025, to April 24, 2026, with the NBRP and its partners pledging to make books more accessible and promote lifelong reading across all age groups.
