“Put Books in Churches, Mosques, and Public Spaces,” Says Msurshima Comfort Chenge at NBRP Conference
Jerry Adesewo,
Evangelist Mrs. Msurshima Comfort Chenge, Founder and Managing Director of Fortham Publishers Limited, Abuja, joined other stakeholders of the book industry as a distinguished panelist at the 5th National Conference & AGM 2025 of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters of Nigeria (NBRP), held at TETfund Hall, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, September 25.
Speaking during one of the Panel Sessions, on the topic: Publishing for a Reading Nation – Strategies for Accessibility, Affordability, and Audience Development in Nigeria, Mrs. Chenge emphasised the urgent need to build a nation of readers by focusing on three pillars: accessibility, affordability, and audience development.
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Accessibility Beyond Printing
According to her, accessibility goes far beyond the act of printing books. It requires ensuring that books are available and distributed to schools, libraries, bookshops, mobile libraries, and online platforms where readers can easily find and use them.
“She said it also means making books part of the community’s heartbeat,” she said. “Whether in schools, local libraries, mobile book vans, or digital spaces, Nigerians — especially children and youths — must be able to reach books without barriers.”
Tackling Affordability
On affordability, Mrs. Chenge acknowledged public concerns over the rising cost of textbooks and reading materials but explained that the issue is deeply tied to many factors.
“Nothing is the same. Electricity tariffs have gone up, telecoms have changed, and a bag of rice once below ₦50,000 is now far beyond that. The challenge goes beyond publishers. Too often, we invest heavily in clothing and other things. Let us place high value on education; it is the beginning of our deliverance as a people and as a nation.”
She stressed that parents, governments, and institutions must deliberately prioritise books and knowledge as much as they do other essentials.
Building Audiences Through Everyday Culture
Most passionately, she called for books to be promoted in everyday cultural and religious spaces.
“In churches, pastors can encourage parents to buy and share Christian or educational books with their children. In mosques, leaders can recommend books that inspire learning and values. Community leaders can set up small reading corners in their meeting places. When books are introduced in everyday spaces of faith and community, reading becomes part of daily life, not just a school obligation,” she urged.
She added that integrating reading into religious and community culture is one of the most effective ways of nurturing future leaders.
Celebrating Champions of Reading
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Chenge also congratulated Prof. Mrs. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), for receiving the Champion of Reading Award – 2025. She described the award as “well-deserved,” praising Professor Anunobi’s transformative leadership in modernising library operations and advancing digital services across the country.
“Professor Anunobi’s work is proof that innovation and dedication can reposition reading culture in Nigeria. Her recognition today is a win for the entire industry,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to Chief Loye Olowookere, Coordinator of NBRP Abuja Chapter, and the entire organising team for their resilience in promoting reading culture, particularly through initiatives such as the Abuja Book City, which she was privileged to be part of.
A National Call to Action
The conference, which drew writers, publishers, librarians, teachers, students, and policymakers, also featured poetry recitals from students, panel discussions on publishing challenges, and strategic conversations on how to mainstream reading in the national agenda.
Mrs. Chenge’s intervention stood out for its practical call to action: placing books at the centre of daily Nigerian life. Her passionate plea underscored the urgency of making reading not only accessible and affordable, but also culturally integrated.
“Put Books in Churches, Mosques, and Public Spaces,” Says Msurshima Comfort Chenge at NBRP Conference