NIBF (NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR 2013)

…….bringing books closer to the people for better education and self-improvement.

A beautiful day it was indeed- the sun, which shone high up in the sky was obviously in a good mood as it poured out mild rays on the sea of human heads hustling and jostling from one place to another to make the day delightful. From far off, one could sight the colorfully decorated Multi- Purpose Halls A, B and C. The long-awaited occasion was graced by some early birds who deemed it fit to arrive before 9:00am, when the fair was meant to begin.

The NIBF (Nigeria International Book Fair) had come at last; thought many. It was a chance indeed for many to showcase what they’ve got to offer, as well as to bring books closer to the people(young and old) for better education and self-improvement. It was also a forum to exhibit one’s talents. A man named Kemy, identified himself as a contractor who had come to construct and design, as well as decorate the stands which were put at designated areas, adding to the colourful occasion.

The NIBF is designed in a way that all and sundry can attend at their own leisure time. It is no wonder then that it runs through Sunday to Saturday, the 11th of May, when it would end. Thus, Students, Parents and Children can pick a suitable date to come and be enriched mentally. On Sunday, for instance, there were various exhibition setups, sponsored by the NIBF, while on Monday, the program which began by 9:00am, and ended by 6:00pm was sponsored by the NIBF as well as the first Veritas Educational Content Delivery Limited, Courtesy of the hard work put up by the keynote Speaker, as well as the Managing Director/CEO himself.

On Tuesday, the 7th of May, the program which began at 10:00am, and ended by 4:00pm, featuring the theme: International Conference Investment in the Knowledge Economy as a vehicle for sustainable growth was gladly sponsored by the Repro/NBFT. In the course of the program, various publishers far and wide seized the opportunity to showcase their books. They include: University Press Plc, First Veritas, Unibind, Alka, Havitah, Rasmed Publications, HEBN publishers, WABP Books, Interworld Management and Services Limited, Metropolitan Publishers, Bromley Technology and many more.

It is a well-known fact that with elders by our sides, every matter is fully accomplished. It is no wonder that it was not until a number of guests arrived, that great wisdom was shared. The chairman of the occasion-Dr Christopher Kolade, a Commander of the Order of the Niger(CON), and former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as well as the CEO of First Veritas- Gbenro Adegbola graced the occasion.

There’s always a captain on a ship, isn’t it. This captain, so to say, in person of the Former Governor of Anambra State-H.E Dame Virgy Etiaba, ksm, was outstanding Guest of Honour. Also, it was amazing seeing little children from various Primary Schools, speaking excellent English and eagerly wishing to have a book.

Not only were there books to buy and sell, but the stands were obviously synonymous of talents, the prizes were detailed and recorded down, prizes were given to the extended customers, information was shared and connections were made for future benefits. “The Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”, says the Holy Book. To enforce these sayings more on the hearts of Old and Young, books based on religion and on how to please God, were put on sale. The anonymous Seller, when interviewed, said that his books centered on in-depth information about religion and God.

Lastly, the Port Harcourt Worldbook Capital Representative, spoke when interviewed, saying that it was designed to create an awareness that it(the port Harcourt world book capital is going to be the book Olympic City. Speaking on its optimism, he went on to say that in the part, it won the bee for Nigeria(the first Sub-Sahara Nation). He further stated that the purpose of the port Harcourt World Book Capital, was to promote tourism, as well as publications, and to create excitement. He then announced his website as www. Portharcourt.worldbookcapital.org.

The Nigeria International Book Fair 2014, already scheduled for Monday, 5th May- Saturday, 10th May, 2014, promises to be bigger, better and fun-filled. It was also an assurance that the entire public would stand a chance of benefitting from a 10% discount, if they could be early birds at the Exhibition Stands next year. And of course, it is no doubt that the 2013 Edition, was not just beautiful and colourful, but it opened many doors as no one left empty-handed- Mentally and physically.