As preparations for the 17th Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) get to the climax, a treat awaits deceased novelist, Buchi emecheta, whose works will enjoy focus at the event.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Mr. Abiodun Omotubi, indicated that this year ’s fair would have in attendance participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal and Botswana, who will join the Nigerian book industry stakeholders to interface and exchange ideas and information on the way forward.

Omotubi explained that members of the International Publishers Association would also converge for the workshop and a gala night which would not only boost the foreign participation at NIBF 2018, but also open business opportunities.

Omotubi stressed, “ Part of the objectives of the Nigerian Book Fair is to promote Nigerian arts and culture. Activities such as cultural dance, poetry and drama will feature in the programme. It is put together to entertain and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria to the exhibitors, especially the foreign ones. ”

According to the statement, the flagship of the programmes of the annual book fair, the International Conference, will focus on Networking: A sustainable vehicle for dynamism and survival of book business in Africa. The conference keynote paper will be delivered by Dr. Oshiotse Andrew, an associate professor in the Department of Library Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan.

Dignitaries within and outside the Nigerian book industry are expected to grace the conference which will be chaired by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Associations within the book industry are also set to organise workshops and seminars for their members and the intending ones. The programmes will be part of the activities for the six-day book trade and exhibition. The associations include the Nigerian Publishers Association, Booksellers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Library Association, Association of Nigerian Authors, Nigerian Book Foundation and Association of Nigerian Printers. 

The statement further said the repackaged books of the late Buchi Emecheta will be presented during the book fair 2018, where the son of the late eminent writer, who has just opened Omenala Press in the United Kingdom, will put the book unveiling together and all the lovers of late Buchi Emecheta are invited to attend the book presentation.