The Minna Book Club celebrated the end of 2024 with a dinner at the headquarters of Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation on 14th December 2024.
In his speech, the Club’s President, Hon. Bello Ibrahim, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Niger State, applauded members on their commitments to midwife the new club designed to promote reading in Minna Emirate. He specifically spotlighted the Vice President, Mrs Adishetu Usman Adama, a staff of the Industrial Training Institute, Minna, for her sense of duty, organisation and love for the club. Hon. Ibrahim reassured the club of his constant support, a gesture that all members acknowledged as the backbone of the club. They were unanimous about his financial commitment being a single sustaining factor for the club. He thanked BM Dzukogi for founding the club and handing it over to his team and requested each member to bring new members to the club.
The Vice President praised the President and the members of the Executive Council, crediting their contributions and determination to the new club’s success in its first year. She mentioned that the main activity of the past year was selecting a book each month for reading and discussion, making 2024 a year dedicated to books for the members. She emphasized the need for continued commitment and cooperation within the club.
Some highlights of the day included self-introductions from members, game sessions, dining together, exchanging pleasantries, and brainstorming ideas to enhance the club’s profile among residents of Minna through increased activities. The club decided to add several major events to the list of activities for 2025, including the celebration of World Book Day, International Literacy Day, and other international days related to books and education. The club also resolved to invite notable personalities to read to children and the public on one of these days as a way to promote reading. Additionally, the club will organize visits to schools to encourage reading and foster book development activities.
Among the attendees were the president of the Wushishi Old Students Association (WOSA), Dr. Zubairu Ibrahim Tswachi; Maimuna Muhammad Babangida from Prestige FM; the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Almamun Mallam; the National PRO of ANA, BM Nagidi; and Makama Shekwoaga. Other notable attendees included Bilkisu Kure, Fati Salihu, Ahmed Bokani, Zakiyyah Dzukogi, Habiba Abdullahi, Ibraheem Uthman, and many young, vibrant teen authors from the Minna Emirate, including Khadija Kashim and Abrar Mustapha, who are both primary pupils at Himma International College in Minna.
In his closing remarks, Samson Samari (PRO) assured members that 2025 would be better. He promised to popularize the club to attract more public attention.
