28/06/2025
IMO INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR (IIBF) 2025
It was a big carnival in Owerri, the capital of Imo State as all book stakeholders from Nigeria and across the world gathered for Imo International book fair (IIBF) 2025. The event which took place at National Library of Nigeria, Owerri, Imo State, was a huge success.
The five day event started on the 23rd of May and ended on May 27th. It was a first of its kind in Imo State. Imo international book fair was organized by Kurious K Agubom Production, proudly supported by National Library of Nigeria, Imo State Library and Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC).
The event attracted all stakeholders in book industry including authors, publishers, book marketers, teachers, students, librarians, civil servants political appointees etc.
According to Agubom Kingsley Anosike, the founder and coordinator of Imo International book fair (IIBF) in his speech at the closing ceremony noted about the dwindling of reading culture in our society as result of internet. “Education is the bedrock for societal development, that is why we have decided to take this bold step by promoting education in our society through this book fair. Imo international book fair is established to discover talents, showcase and promote Nigeria and foreign books in one platform. This year’s edition is the maiden edition and it is going to be an annual event”.
He further stressed that a society that lacks behind in education also lacks behind in infrastructural and human developments. There is no knowledge and information you cannot find in books, that is why the society needs to promote the reading culture.
At the opening ceremony Dr. D. C. Eddy Ugorji, the deputy director/head of branch, National Library, of Nigeria Imo State branch, delivered a lecture on importance of reading for societal development.
In the same vein, Dr. Agubom John-Kennedy described book fair as a commercial event at which publishers, authors and book dealers exhibit and trade books at discounted prices, specifically aimed at rekindling the reading culture among Nigerians and Imo State students in particular.
This event also emphasized the importance of physical books in the face of emergence of digital or E-books. The event which featured poetry presentation, drama, cultural dance, music, lectures, talent exhibition, and exhibition of various academic books by great authors and publishers from Nigeria and across the world was a huge success. This fair was conceived as more than a masterpiece for books.
It is a movement – a platform that brings together stakeholders from the length and breadth of our nation and beyond, uniting us with a common purpose. In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, the book remains a unique tool for deep learning, imagination, and reflection. It bridges generation, cultures and disciplines.
This fair showcases the diversity of voices and disciplines from seasoned authors and emerging talents who remind us that our stories matter and our ideas have power to usher us into enormous opportunities. Imo international book fair is not merely an event; it is an ecosystem of opportunities.
