By Osa Amadi
Odufa Onalugho and Alliance Francaise have launched The First Look, described as Nigeria’s first-ever book cover exhibition, in a move that spotlights the intersection of visual art and literature.

The exhibition, unveiled at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, formed part of activities marking World Book Day and was conceived by the Head Librarian of Alliance Française Lagos, Odufa Onalugho.

The project seeks to redefine book covers beyond their traditional role as commercial design tools, presenting them instead as standalone works of contemporary art.

Speaking at the event, Onalugho said the exhibition was built around the idea of the book cover as a “visual prologue” — an interpretive gateway that introduces readers to a story before they turn the first page.

According to her, the exhibition explores how typography, texture, colour and composition influence perception, evoke emotion and shape the reading experience.

“We often judge books by their covers,” Onalugho said, stressing that design plays a critical role in attracting readers and shaping literary engagement.

She described The First Look as more than an exhibition, saying it challenges conventional boundaries between art and literature while drawing attention to the cultural and creative value of book cover design.

The event also featured a keynote presentation by Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, Group Independent Non-Executive Director of Odu’a Investment Company Ltd., who examined the influence of cover design on reader choices and the power of visual storytelling.

She highlighted how book covers shape expectations even before a reader engages with the content.

A panel discussion featuring major voices in Nigeria’s literary and publishing space further enriched the event.

Panelists included Ibiso Graham-Douglas, CEO of Paperworth Books; Sope Martins, author and founder of KidLit Foundation; Amarachukwu Chimeka, founder of Purple Shelves Publishing; and Segun Dada, founder of Kawe Africa.

Discussions focused on whether readers judge books by their covers, how design affects reading decisions, and the balance between creativity and authenticity in visual interpretation.

The exhibition attracted authors, publishers, creatives and cultural stakeholders, with many describing it as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s literary and artistic communities.

Observers said the initiative also reinforces the evolving role of libraries as spaces for innovation, dialogue and interdisciplinary creativity.

With The First Look, Alliance Française Lagos has opened a new cultural conversation — one that places book cover design at the centre of artistic expression and literary appreciation.