By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Professor Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka on Tuesday, 29th April, 2025 held her maiden public lecture and commemorated 2025 World Book Day.
The colourful event which was held at the University Auditorium had its theme as, “Libraries and information institutions at crossroads: Issues, implications and imperatives in the era of change and transformation.”
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of the University on the Niger, Umunya, Ven. Prof. Chinedu Nebo described books as the cornerstone of human civilization as the vessels of knowledge, culture and imagination.
Prof. Nebo who was represented by Prof. Uche Onwudiegwu stated that at the heart of the book’s enduring journey are libraries and information institutions.
The scholar informed that libraries have consistently been sanctuaries of learning, providing access to information, nurturing critical thinking and enabling the pursuit of knowledge across all disciplines.
In his welcome address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu stated that the World Book Day is an annual event marked in many countries which is worthy of celebration by an organization such as the institution whose purview centres on books and book materials.
Prof. Ikechebelu opined that in recognition of the importance of the day, UNESCO in 1995 chose 23rd April of every year as the United Nations World Book and Copyright Day with the intent being to promote reading, publishing and copyright. The Acting VC affirmed that the Library and other information institutions play a significant role in promoting reading culture and academic excellence.
The University Librarian, Prof. Stella Ngozi Anasi in her address pointed out that libraries and information institutions have long been pillars of knowledge, learning and community engagement playing a vital role in the preservation and dissemination of information.
Prof. Anasi stated that with the evolving changes in library operations, libraries have the chance to reimagine and embrace new technologies so as to expand information access, enhance user experiences and foster innovation.
The University Librarian also said that the discussion at the maiden public lecture will explore how libraries can navigate her challenges, what role they will play in a rapidly evolving digital world and how they can continue to serve as custodians of knowledge.
Delivering his lecture on the theme, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Charles Omekwe stated that the celebration of the World Book Day traverses the crossroads of libraries and information institutions, analyzing the myriad changes, controversies and transformations confronting the Library.
Prof. Omekwe gave an insight into the changing paradigms of information production, access and use in the digital era emphasizing the seismic shift from analog to digital, the advent of Artificial Intelligence and the implications for equity and literacy.
Prof. Omekwe stated that the World Book Day should remind us that libraries are not relics of the past, but dynamic institutions central to our intellectual, cultural and democratic life. He suggested that academicians must be guardians of access, curators of culture, enablers of inclusion and promoters of lifelong learning.
The scholar informed that the conversation about governance, digital ethics, sustainability and decolonization are not peripheral but are core to building resilient and responsive information ecosystems.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman LOC, Prof. Oliver Onwudinjo thanked all and sundry who contributed towards the success of the programme while emphasizing on the need for Nigerians to read continuously for their mental and social development.
Others who made their remarks on the significance of the World Book Day Celebration were the Royal Father of the Day, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Library Association, Dr. Dominic Omokaro represented by Dr. Nkechi Udeze, Immediate past Director, Anambra State Library Services.
The colourful event also featured the cutting of the cake in celebration of the World Book Day and presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians who have contributed to the growth and development of the University Library.
