The 2024 Nigeria International Book Fair was a special event. It made people remember and discuss the amazing books and essays from Nigerian writers in the mid-1980s. Back then, these works sparked big debates and challenged the way people saw things.
Important guests like Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman and Vice Chancellors Prof. Florence Obi and Prof. Lilian Salami attended the fair. They looked back at how influential those old publications were decades ago. Nigerian academics and writers boldly tackled tough topics like politics, development, ethnicity, religion and national identity. Their writings stirred up passionate conversations.
Some really thought-provoking books were highlighted, like Claude Ake’s “Social Science as Imperialism” and “The Political Economy of Africa.” These challenged Western views and pushed for better understanding of African realities. Bala Usman’s “For the Liberation of Nigeria” and Chinua Achebe’s “The Trouble With Nigeria” sparked lively talks on nation-building and progress.
Books like Okwudiba Nnoli’s “Ethnic Politics in Nigeria” and Eghosa Osaghae’s work on ethnicity as elite competition offered insights into Nigeria’s complex ethnic dynamics – an issue still so relevant today.
Literary greats like Biodun Jeyifo and Iyorchia Ayu also explored art, culture and social change through their writings, showing Nigeria’s vibrant intellectual life.
As the book fair ended, people felt proud of Nigeria’s rich intellectual heritage. They remembered nostalgically that exciting time when bold ideas challenged the status quo through fierce debates. Though publishing has changed, the lasting importance of those groundbreaking works shows the power of the written word and Nigerians’ tireless pursuit of knowledge.
The echoes of those thought-provoking books reminded everyone of how transformative writing can be. Their voices continue inspiring people to think critically and courageously question norms. As Nigeria moves ahead, celebrating this intellectual past calls on people to rekindle the spirit of open, vigorous discussions – because it is through the realm of ideas that nations find their path to greatness.
