BY JAPHET ALAKAM

All is now set for the 10th edition of Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF 2011) scheduled to hold from Monday, 9th May through Saturday, 14th May, 2011 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The annual International Book Fair is designed to bring books closer to Nigerians, especially students for better education and self improvement and also to create a platform for all stakeholders in the book and publishing industry locally and internationally to meet with each other.

According to release by the organisation, this year’s edition will parade exhibitors from United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirate, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroun, Senegal, Botswana , Ghana and across Nigeria, while for the first time, an organization from the Netherlands will also participate.

One of the programmes of NIBF 2011 is an International Conference with the theme: Technology and the Future of the Book: Implication for the African Book Industry, which is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 10th May, 2011 at Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State. Two resource persons from United States of America will deliver papers on the theme which will enlighten the audience at the conference on the roles Technology can play to impact the effectiveness of book and book production in African countries.

The first Executive Governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande and Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo Obe, Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Ebonyi will be guest of honour and Chairman at the conference, respectively.

Other scintillating programmes that will make NIBF 2011 memorable are: 4-day children’s programme to be anchored by Evans Publishers, University Press Plc, Africana First Publishers Plc and Macmillan Nigeria Publishers. Seminars and workshops will also be staged by Nigerian Publishers Association, Havilah Merchants and Nigerian Library Associations. Training and Buyers/Sellers Meeting will also be organized by African Publishers Network (APNET) and CAPEXIL of India.