By Favour Efughi
The first ever Lagos Bookhouse Party, which held from the 13th-15th of February with a marathon of events, had its official book launch on the 13th of February.
The book launch followed the Book Pitch Competition held by Naphtali books during the Comic Convention in October 2018; where three winners -Olu-Omoniyi Oyindamola, Queenbee Aurora and Kingsley Efughi- emerged. These authors got published their books officially launched on the 13th of February 2020.
The Lagos Bookhouse Party featured several authors and their books like Ray Anasi’s Sorrows of Udi, Queenbee Aurora’s Broken Engagement, How Football Saved my Life by Chukwuebuka Onyia, Burton’s Children by Tomi Doherty, and several others.
According to the founder and organizer, Ray Anasi, this is the first of a yearly program. He explained that this had been a dream waiting to manifest for years… to create an environment where writers and book lovers can come together, Interact, Party and altogether have fun.
The Program allowed a section for book signing with the authors after a reading and book discuss. The authors were open to questions like; Inspiration, Duration of work, Idea for a title, etc. The author of the Devil Wears Okirika. Kingsley Efughi, explained that the idea for the title came from a friend who dropped the phrase carelessly after buying several second-hand clothes with the intent of wooing ladies.
I remember 2017, when I wrote this first rough draft and proceeded to share the story on Nairaland. I hoped to one day hold a paperback copy in my hand and here we are today.
The turn up was good for the first day of a three day event, and the atmosphere was fun and lively thanks to McOlivia Events. Several books were bought, some books even got sold out. There were a total of about 18 books on display during the program.
At the close of the program, Ray Anasi gave special thanks to Sponsors and Partners like; FiCool. McOlivia Events, iLexj, Ynaija, Naphtali books and Lagos Comic Con. Finally, he thanked everyone for turning up saying; “Most of all, I thank you the guest for attending, you are the reason for this event. Without you, there will be no Lagos Bookhouse Party. Let’s make memories we can’t forget in a hurry. Thank you and God bless you.”
