Lagos Book Walk Returns: NBRP Sets 5th March For Literacy Drive
Promoting Reading Across Lagos
THE Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) has announced the 4th edition of its annual Lagos Book Walk, scheduled for Thursday 5 March 2026, in Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
The Lagos Book Walk is a community-based literacy initiative that encourages reading, education, and civic engagement among children, families, schools, and residents. Over the years, the event has grown into a key platform for promoting literacy and fostering a culture of reading across Lagos State.
A Growing Tradition
Since its inception in March 2020, NBRP has been bridging literacy gaps through structured reading programs and collaborations among book clubs nationwide. The annual Lagos Book Walk, first held in March 2023, has steadily gained participation from students, educators, parents, and literacy advocates.
The 2026 edition will feature a 1.5km community walk from Festac First Gate to the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Headquarters, 41 Road, Festac Town. Activities will include children’s reading sessions, access to books and literacy materials, and community engagement exercises aimed at reinforcing the importance of reading as a foundation for development.
Voices from the Organisers
Speaking ahead of the event, the anchor of this year’s walk, Josephine Oghenekevbe Ogufere, described the walk as “more than a symbolic exercise. It is a call to action for families, schools, policymakers, and communities to prioritize reading. When children read, communities grow.”
Similarly, Professor Oyinkan Chukuka Tasie, National President of NBRP, pledged his personal commitment, saying: “Come 5th March 2026, I will take a moment off work to walk for the reading culture, particularly in Nigeria.”
Community and Corporate Support
The Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Lanre Sanusi, will serve as chief host for the 2026 edition. Organisers are also appealing to corporate organisations, development partners, educational institutions, and community leaders to contribute through funding, book donations, logistics support, and volunteering to strengthen literacy-focused initiatives nationwide.
Past editions of the Lagos Book Walk were hosted in Ikeja, Ikoyi/Lagos Island, and Ikorodu, drawing thousands of participants. Partners for this year’s walk include the National Library of Nigeria, Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Committee for Relevant Art, Nigerian Publishers Association, Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos State Library Board, Nigerian Library Association, and Booksellers Association of Nigeria.
