1. Oral Traditions – African storytelling has been passed down for generations through griots (oral historians). We want to celebrate this unique literary tradition and bring it into the modern age.

2. A City of Many Cultures – Abuja is home to people from all over Nigeria and the world. Our literature should reflect this diversity and tell the stories of our cosmopolitan society.

3. Youth Engagement – Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world. As the nation’s capital, Abuja must provide opportunities for young people to express themselves through storytelling and literature.

1.Education (SDG 4) – Literacy levels in Abuja need improvement. We want to make reading and writing accessible to everyone, from children to adults.

2.Gender Equity (SDG 5) – We aim to empower women and girls by strengthening their ability to participate in society through education and storytelling.

3.Sustainable Communities (SDG 11) – Abuja has economic and social divides. Literature can help bridge these gaps by bringing people together and encouraging conversations about shared experiences.

4.Environmental Awareness (SDG 13) – As a leading city in West Africa, Abuja has a responsibility to address climate change. We will use literature to spread awareness and inspire action.

1. Abuja Hybrid Town Hall

This project will use literature to spark important discussions on the issues that shape our city. We will hold live events and broadcasts where people from different backgrounds—students, civil servants, artists, and everyday citizens—can share their perspectives through writing and storytelling.

• The discussions will be based on books, essays, and poems written by Abuja residents.

• Events will be broadcast on radio and TV, with interactive contributions from the public via phone calls and social media.

• In collaboration with municipal partners, this initiative will promote literacy while strengthening civic participation.

2. ABV Reads

Our goal is to turn the entire city into one big reading club! Inspired by the “One City, One Book” model, ABV Reads will:

• Select a book for the city to read and discuss together each year.

• Promote books through radio programs, mobile libraries, and storytelling events in public spaces.

• Make reading accessible and engaging by integrating it into everyday life.

• Collaborate with Fighting Words Ireland and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature to train teachers in creative writing techniques for children.

3. Fusion Festival (Abuja Culture Week)

This week-long festival will bring literature and the arts into unexpected spaces across the city. The event will feature:

• Pop-up literary readings, digital art exhibitions, film screenings, and food festivals.

• A special theme for each edition—the first, “Eco-Lit,” will explore storytelling around environmental issues.

• Competitions and exhibitions showcasing the best literary talent in Abuja.

• Unconventional venues, such as shopping malls, abandoned buildings, closed-off streets, and the airport.

• An international platform, welcoming participation from embassies and cultural organizations in Abuja.

By implementing these initiatives, Abuja will:

• Establish itself as a cultural and literary hub in Africa and the world.

• Strengthen its creative economy and provide opportunities for writers, publishers, and educators.

• Foster a city-wide love for reading and storytelling, making literature accessible to all.

• Use literature as a tool to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Through this bid, Abuja is not just seeking a title—we are building a literary movement that will shape our city’s future, empower our people, and ensure that our stories are heard on the global stage.