Did you know that 9 out of every 10 Nigerians would prefer to have mobile data to browse the internet than read an interesting book?
In spite of the numerous benefits associated with reading, the culture of picking and enjoying a good book has been on the decline, especially in today’s fast-paced era of smart devices and social media.
Rather than just complain, some have taken proactive measures to tackle the issue. One of such efforts is the forthcoming Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IBAFEST), an event aimed at fostering a community where authors, poets, and notable works of art and literature can be celebrated.
When was the last time you actually read a book, a poem, or skimmed through an interesting article?
While you ponder on that, renowned scholar and poet, Prof. Niyi Osundare, has warned that poor reading culture is depriving the younger generation of becoming well-rounded individuals who can think critically and ask the right questions.
He made this known during a prelude event of the forthcoming IBAFEST, which had in attendance notable scholars and literary icons including Prof. Femi Osofisan, Prof. Nelson Fasina, and Prof. Adesina Afolayan.
The literary critic urged youths to study the sources of Nigeria’s problems and ensure that a repetition of past errors does not occur by choosing to be different.
“They (youths) also must study the sources of the problems of Nigeria, and make sure that they themselves don’t repeat those problems, those dysfunctional propensities in their own lives,” Osundare said.
“Because it is really no excuse to say, ‘yes I became a thief because the governor stole money or the legislator stole money.’ No! You have to be different, and you have to be able to think critically. Our rulers don’t think as I’ve always said. The value of education is that it makes us critical and interrogative. And there is a lot to criticise and question in the way Nigeria is being run.”
According to him, the energy and vision of a country is measured by the level of its investment in education, pointing out corrupt leaders and arrogant teachers or lecturers as being responsible for its collapse. He nonetheless encouraged citizens, especially blooming writers, to embrace hope and by all means defeat materialism.
“If we want to measure the strength and energy and vision of the country, go to its classrooms, go to its library, go to its laboratories. Those are areas the Nigerian governments have neglected. You cannot build a modern state without education. Real education, critical thinking and our universities need to learn a lot from this. Many of our lecturers are too arrogant, and they have no respect for the students. You have to have time for them, to nurture them.
“Our young people must find a way of really staying alive. It is only when you do not despair that you really can succeed. Then try to defeat materialism; we party too much especially in this part of the country.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks, Coordinator of the Centre for Change, Oyo State chapter, Comrade Adewumi Olowoniyi, described the event as one that can inspire positive change in the society.
“If this has been happening, we will not have touts, we will not have much of cultism, because this kind of events encourage youths to turn a new leaf and understand what life is. The society will become better than we met it. It is a very good programme. If this kind of thing continues, the society will really change, our youth will become better, then we can say that Nigeria has hope.”
Meanwhile, award-winning publisher, poet, and Festival Director, Servio Gbadamosi, shared more details about the upcoming IBAFEST.
“We want to be able to engage literary lovers and art lovers in Ibadan, to bring them together to celebrate the works of literature and art they have enjoyed through the years. Meet some of the writers and artists behind these works. And to also engage on positive futures for the cultural and creative industry in Nigeria. Come October, Ibadan Book and Arts Festival is going to be a brilliant celebration of books and the arts in Ibadan.”
Rounding off, in the words of Prof. Osundare: “Our country disables us but we must make sure it doesn’t remain that way. We must learn to fight despair, for after the night comes dawn; we must never lose hope!”
The importance of reading cannot be overstated. As Margaret Fuller once said, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
About IbaFest
The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest) is an annual celebration of African literature, creativity, and cultural dialogue. Rooted in Ibadan—a city renowned for its literary and cultural heritage—IbaFest brings together writers, artists, scholars, and cultural leaders to explore the power of stories and the potential of the Creative and Cultural Industries to transform education, community, and national development. The inaugural edition of the festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, 2025.
Media Contact
Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (ÌbàFest)
Email: hello@ibadanfestival.org
Website: www.ibadanfestival.org
Telephone: +2349096664359, +2348098164359
Social Media: @ibadanfestival
Servio Gbadamosi, Festival Director
