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Nigerian Reading Campaign Tagged 'Bring Back the Book Culture'

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 01 Sep 2011   |   

The worrisome dearth experienced in the readership culture of Nigerians over the years have undoubtedly, resulted in several initiatives by both individuals and organisations, aimed at encouraging people to go back to reading .

It was in line with that move that the number one citizen of the country, President Goodluck Jonathan launched a reading campaign tagged, Bring Back The Book Culture, which charged Nigerians to imbibe the habit of reading so as to enhance human and material productivity.

The president’s Bring back the Book Culture may have finally received the boost it needed to create a positive change in people’s attitude towards the print as exhibited by the children during the 2011 CORA Book Party held at Eko Hotel and Suites last week.

At the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas endowed Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party the turn out of children, the enthusiasm with which they participated in reading, book reviews and the question segments, which were quite overwhelming, all exposed the secret yearnings of the young ones to record their names in the annals of history as great authors of this age.

It was a complete book feast for children and watching the students of Alakoto Senior Secondary School Ajegunle read out their reviews of the six shortlisted books and thereafter, intelligently answering questions posed by the coordinator of the segment, Dagga Tolar during a conversation around the six books, climaxing in one of them, advocating for the institution of Children Prize for Literature, proves that the children book party which is third in the series is a landmark initiative by CORA.

• Read complete article at Vanguard

Nigerain Publisher Muhtar Bakare of Farafina Books Talks About 'Why Local Publishing Industry Matters'

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 02 Dec 2010   |   

The publishing business is one most investors would rather not go into. Of course, this is not unconnected to the challenges and risks involved. However, the fact remains that no nation is complete without a thriving publishing industry. This article is a reminder of the relevance of the publishing industry.

WHY YOUR LOCAL PUBLISHING INDUSTRY MATTERS

For some time now, I have been fascinated by this notion that change occurs first in the realm of ideas. To transform society, you will first have to change the mindset of the people. This is especially true for countries such as ours in which people are making the difficult transition from the traditional to modern ways of doing things.

I decided to go into publishing because I thought publishing helped to define the ideas that shape society. In fact, I will go further to contend that publishing and the media industry lead change. This was what I was thinking 6 years ago and it all seemed to add up. There were about 120 million people in Nigeria. If I could sell edifying books to 1 percent of that population every year; that would be a decent number of books. I would have a solid business. I would also be doing my own bit to put my country on a path of growth and prosperity.

These days, I have a more nuanced outlook. Six years ago, I did not anticipate the scale and quality of commercial infrastructure required to sell 1 million books to 150 million people scattered around a country roughly 4 times the size of Ghana. More crucially, I did not know then, that if you set up an independent publishing business in Nigeria you could be competing with some of the most formidable entities in the English speaking world. While we import everything, the publishing houses I was setting out to compete with, are solidly backed up by the cultural policies of the government of the United Kingdom, and actively supported by the EU. And lately, those of the United States and India, happily projecting their soft power, while opening up new markets, all across Africa. Working in tandem with public institutions in those countries are also private trusts and endowments that are carefully coordinated to find and nurture talent, and to guarantee the development of benign self-expression in society. There is a clear appreciation of a government’s vested interest in facilitating the success of every hard-working, tax-paying, talented individual or corporate entity involved in the production of culture.

My point here is that the most socially and economically advanced nations also happen to be the most successful at encouraging the flowering of new ideas in their countries and at managing the ways these ideas are brought to life for the benefit of society.

I have come to appreciate the vital importance of governance in creating an environment that compels society to look inwards regularly and imagine a better future. It also empowers individuals and institutions within society to make the necessary plans and do whatever it takes to build that imagined future. I suspect that even if we had no natural resources but had good governance, we could be as productive, developed and respected as any country on this planet. When Kwame Nkrumah said, “Seek ye first the political kingdom and everything else will be added unto you,” he was making an impassioned rallying call for good governance and necessary sacrifice that must be made for nation building. Kingdoms are strenuously fought for and hard won.

• Read the complete article at Farafinabooks

Cassava Republic Feeds the African Imagination

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 15 Nov 2010   |   

I was lucky enough to actually visit the Cassava Republic stand at this year’s Cape Town’s Book Fair in July and I can proudly say that I spent the most time at this stand more than any other at whole fair. I was really blown away by what I saw…excellent quality books with amazing stories. Though my passion and focus is on children’s literature I couldn’t help but also spend a lot of time browsing through the adult books too, infact I purchased a few. Read more here.

Cassava Republic Press is obsessed with changing the way we think about African fiction. We think that contemporary African writing should be rooted in African experience in all its diversity, whether set in filthy-yet-sexy megacities such as Lagos, in little-known rural communities, in the recent past or indeed the near future. We also think the time has come to build a new body of African writing that links writers across different times and spaces, following the marvellous example of the African Writers Series in the past.

We’re based in Abuja, which is a bit like the English town Milton Keynes but set in the tropics. It’s a great place to be, with a modern infrastructure, gorgeous landscapes outside the city and all corners of the continent only a few hours flight away.

We publish fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. A lot of our non-fiction output will focus on socio-cultural and historical events . We’re keen to ensure that history is understood as a set of questions forever to be addressed, rather simply as facts and dates. We work hard to ensure that our children’s books are beautifully made, inspiring the young ones among us to develop a love of books from an early age.

More than anything, we try to make our books as affordable as possible, without any sacrifice of quality. Our books are as nicely made as any books you might find anywhere on the planet.
Finally, apart from churning out books, we also organise writing workshops and school writers-in-residence programmes under our RAW (Reading And Writing) Initiative.

Under the direction of the publishers Bibi Bakare-Yusuf and Jeremy Weate, Cassava Republic is considered to be one of the most important new publishing houses in Africa. The design bible Monocle Magazine listed us as one of the top ten brands to look out for in 2009. As we especially like Monocle, we’re quite chuffed about this.

• Visit Cassava Rebulbic here

Here are some of the great children’s books they have on offer.

Mayowa and the Masquerades by Lola Shoneyin

Mayowa is unhappy because he has been told he will be visiting his grandmother in Ilisan. When he gets there, grandma pairs him up with the ever-hungry, fun- loving Denuyi. Together, they explore the town and all its wonders. By the time he returns to L?gos, M?yowa learns that there is more to life than computer games.

All the following books are by Fatima Akilu

Ngozi Comes to Town

Margaret and Philip?s best friend is Ngozi, the old train that sits near the station. But when the factory closes, they have to leave town with their Mummy. Then something magical happens and Ngozi is brought back to life.

This heart-warming story of a train who gets back on the tracks highlights the Millennium Development Goal of ending extreme poverty and hunger. Once again, Ngozi can carry food to those who need it, helping everyone in the process.

Timi’s Dream Comes True

Timi will grow up to be a fisherman, although he dreams of becoming a teacher. Then a man comes to town with an exciting plan and the whole town helps to make Timi?s dream come true.

This lively story highlights the Millennium Development Goal of making sure all children have access to education.

Kitwa Plays the Drums

Kitwa is tired of w?shing up ?nd doing the chores while her brother plays the guitar. All that changes when they take a trip with their grandmother to meet their cousins. With the help of guitar strums and drum beats, they all learn that girls and boys can accomplish the same things.

This moving intergenerational story highlights the Millennium Development Goal of promoting gender equality and empowering women.

Yinka Washes His Hands

Yinka is annoyed that he has to help look after his baby sister, and he always has to wash his hands before he holds her. One day he and his friend Olu escape for an adventure outside, but there are unintended consequences.

In this humorous story Yinka learns the importance of good hygiene and cleanliness, highlighting the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality.

The Red Transistor Radio

Khalida has to write a story for school, but she doesn?t know what to write about. Then, Aunty Safina tells her about her Mama?s special radio. Khalida is inspired and the teacher likes her story. It even makes Khalida famous!

In this inspiring story, Khalida learns about how pregnant women need to look after themselves, highlighting the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health.

The Yellow Mosquito Net

Grace and Kemi are late for football practice. But after Grace falls into a gutter on the way, they discover the pitch is filled with people collecting colourful mosquito nets. With the help of their coach, the girls find out how much they can learn about malaria prevention by kicking a football.

This entertaining story highlights the Millennium Development Goal of fighting malaria and other diseases.

Preye and the Sea of Plastic

Preye is fed up with tripping over the plastic that everyone throws on the ground. He and his friend Obinna decide to do something about it. But can a group of children really make a difference?

This inspiring story shows the power people can have when they all work together, and highlights the Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability.

Aliyyah Leans a New Dance

Aliyyah is thrilled to be representing Nigeria at the African regional dance competition. But will she ever learn all the moves? With her brother Ashraf’s help, Aliyyah practices her claps and twirls to compete first in Tanzania, and then in Sweden, where she meets other girls from many other countries.

This exciting story highlights the Millennium Development Goal of developing global partnerships.

Nigerian Characters Bino and Fino Finally Come to Life

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 25 Oct 2010   |   

Bino and Fino creator, Adamu Waziri, wanted African kids to be able to identify with characters that look like them, speak like them and go through similar everyday life issues. And so the sister and brother duo were born, Bino and Fino. Read more articles here.

But a new cartoon out of Nigeria may start to broaden some preschool minds. The animated series Bino and Fino, piloting in October, will feature the workaday life of a family in an African city. The children, Bino and Fino, have a fairy friend who teaches them the preschool TV show basics: counting, animals, language…it’s like Dora the Explorer, creators say, from an African perspective.

As a miniseries, Bino and Fino is slated for release on DVD in Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, English and French. But its creators have a larger vision — they want more languages, more publicity, more airplay. They want those adorable googly-eyed kids to become a global sensation, and they’re raising funds to do so.

If Bino and Fino happens…(please please please)…I hope there are all-star guest voiceovers. Lola Okusami should play a neighbor. Nneka would have to be a singing school teacher, obviously, or president or something. Any one of our top Nollywood stars should play the talking animals, assuming there are any.

• Read the complete article at mtviggy

Here’s the video of Bino and Fino, an African cartoon for children. We produced it in house at EVCL in Nigeria. Tell us what you think.

This episode focuses on the idea of 2010 being an important year in Africa’s history as many countries are celebrating their 50th year of independence from colonial rule. To be honest this, subject matter is a bit heavier than those that will be handled in the episodes on the DVD. We just saw a rare opportunity to address an important historic African event in a children’s cartoon format. It’s definitely not a topic Disney would handle! That’s the beauty of being able to tell one’s own stories.

• Visit Bino and Fino here

Upcoming Titles from Nigerian Publisher, Cassava Republic

by Bontle on 29 Sep 2010   |   

Look out for these exciting new books from Cassava Kids!

The Yellow Mosquito Net by Fatima Akilu

Grace and Kemi are late for football practice. But after Grace falls into a gutter on the way, they discover the pitch is filled with people collecting colourful mosquito nets. With the help of their coach, the girls find out how much they can learn about malaria prevention by kicking a football.

This entertaining story highlights the Millennium Development Goal of fighting malaria and other diseases.

Ngozi Comes to Town by Fatima Akilu

Margaret and Philip?s best friend is Ngozi, the old train that sits near the station. But when the factory closes, they have to leave town with their Mummy. Then something magical happens and Ngozi is brought back to life.

This heart-warming story of a train who gets back on the tracks highlights the Millennium Development Goal of ending extreme poverty and hunger. Once again, Ngozi can carry food to those who need it, helping everyone in the process.

• Find More Forthcoming Titles from Cassava

Outraged Parents Demand that Nigerian Book be Taken Off Summer Reading List

by Bontle on 16 Aug 2010   |   

A book was pulled from a high school summer reading list because parent’s were shocked by the adult nature of the book and its content. Following complaints, the county also added the book to its list of banned books. The book, Graceland by Nigerian author Chris Abani, was on the summer reading list for Florida’s Mandarin High School 10th grade learners.

The story is about a teenage Elvis Presley impersonator from Nigeria who is trying to make it out of his neighborhood. Some of the content is quite violent and some portions of the book contain what some parents have called “graphic sexual detail”. Other books that have been banned by the same county include To Kill A Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee, Stephenie Meyer‘s Twilight saga and My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult.

Book details

• Graceland by Christopher Abani
  EAN: 9780312425289
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

New Nigerian Publisher Brings Old Hadley Chase Favourites to Youth

by Bontle on 27 Jul 2010   |   

Good Books Africa is a new publishing company, operating nationwide in Nigeria. Gbenro Adegbola, the company’s chairman, believes that the company’s “major aim is to promote and encourage the reading culture among Nigerian youth.” To do this, the company has chosen to use the works of an old Nigerian favourite to get this generation reading. Good Books will re-introduce the works of James Hadley Chase, sometimes considered one of the best British writers in the 1970s; and author of dozens of books that were popular with Nigerian readers in the 1980s. Good Books Africa also plans to promote new and established local writers, alongside international authors.

The launch offered a raffle draw for purchase of the books. Mr. Adegbola explained that the rationale behind this was “to encourage the reading culture among youths in our country, we want to capture (readers) with good and interesting stories, as well as through the introduction of promos and consolidated prizes, when they purchase any novels of James Hadley Chase.” The raffle draw winners will be announced in September, with the star prize winner winning a 2009 Kia Picanto. Consolation prizes include: refrigerators, television sets, laptops, and digital cameras.

• Read the complete article

Book details

• Goldfish Have No Hiding Place by James Hadley Chase
  EAN: 9781842321034
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

• Like a Hole in the Head by James Hadley Chase
  EAN: 9781842321126
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

Eno's Story Aims to Raise Awareness about Myth of 'Child Witches' in Nigeria

by Bontle on 14 Jul 2010   |   

Cassava Republic, in association with Stepping Stones Nigeria (SSN), a non-governmental organisation involved in efforts to sensitise the public about child rights issues in Nigeria, is releasing a children’s book on ‘child witches’. Eno’s story, a book written by Ayodele Olofintuade and illustrated by Bolaji Liadi, is expected to be launched in September.

Eno lives happily with her father, until one day he disappears in an accident. Her uncle says that she is a “witch” who has caused her father’s death. She goes through many struggles before moving in with other children who have also been called “witches” and have been sent away from home.

This moving story, with moments of humour and sadness, shows how Eno uses courage and her imagination to make the best of a difficult situation. Young readers will be gripped while also learning about how an organisation such as Stepping Stones Nigeria can help children in Eno’s situation.

• Read the complete article

• Learn more about Eno’s Story

Millions of Textbooks for Schools in Nigeria's Bauchi State

by Bontle on 06 Jul 2010   |   

The Bauchi State Government of Nigeria has signaled its commitment to improving the standard of education in the state with a deal to provide 168590 children with textbooks. In line with the national government’s push to provide more of Nigeria’s youth with a quality education, Bauchi State will provided textbooks and other educational materials to learners in its public primary and secondary schools.

About 6.5 million assorted textbooks were purchased from Longman Nigeria Limited at the cost of over N2.5 million under transparent contract procedure and process through an 11-man Distribution committee that was put in place to ensure fair distribution of the textbooks across the state-owned public schools.

• Read the complete article

Nigeria Rethinks Education on Nigerian Children's Day

by Bontle on 10 Jun 2010   |   

The 6th of June was Children’s Day in Nigeria. The event was viewed as a chance for all Nigerians to take stock of the future of their children and their children’s education and literacy in particular. Analyst Chijioke Asuoha reflects on what school was like when he was in primary and high school and what is now needed to move Nigeria back to that place:

In my primary and secondary school days, we were proudly addressed as “the leaders of tomorrow”. We enjoyed government sponsorship in the name of Universal Free Primary Education (U.P.E). Education was free to an extent. In some states, school children were fed during classes; free furniture, text books and stationery were provided in such states. Renovation of school buildings by government and community was regular. U.P.E. was so widespread that those of us who were in Eastern Nigeria, where free government services were seen as an aberration, enjoyed that civil benevolence at least for once.

• Read the complete article at All Africa