by Azeez Elijah Olawale
Every April 23rd, the world pauses to celebrate the written word on World Book Day, a day set aside by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. In Nigeria, the National Library of Nigeria, as the apex library of the country, stands at the heart of this celebration, not just as a custodian of books but as a sentinel of our rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The National Library of Nigeria has steadily evolved beyond its conventional role as a depository of books. It now embraces a dynamic mission to digitize, preserve, and promote access to Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual legacy for generations to come. Through groundbreaking initiatives such as the National Repository of Nigeria, accessible at https://nigeriareposit.nln.
This World Book Day, the National Library of Nigeria under the able leadership of the National Librarian/CEO and visionary leader Prof. Chinwe V. Anunobi reaffirms its commitment to preserving the oral traditions, folklore, indigenous literature, and linguistic diversity that define Nigeria's multicultural society. These efforts ensure that as we celebrate books today, we also honor the voices and stories that shaped our past.
As technology continues to redefine the future of knowledge, the National Library of Nigeria calls on publishers, authors, researchers, and cultural custodians to collaborate in building a robust national digital heritage. Together, we can safeguard our stories, elevate our scholarship, and inspire future generations.

