History was made on 30th August, 2025, as the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) conferred the prestigious title of Fellow of the Nigerian Library Association (FNLA) on its 23rd President alongside six distinguished professionals during the 2025 NLA Annual Awards and Dinner Night held at Merit House, Abuja.
The colourful event, themed “The Library, the Librarian and Society in the Age of Digital Innovations: The Challenge of Relevance,” also witnessed the unveiling of two new NLA Brand Ambassadors.
Delivering his welcome address, the immediate past President, Librarian Dr. Dominic Omokaro, explained that the Awards Night was introduced by the 22nd National Executive Committee to separate the FNLA conferment from the routine end-of-conference dinner, thereby giving recipients their deserved spotlight. “Under my leadership, we felt the need to separate the FNLA Awards from the routine end-of conference dinner, in order to give recipients their well-deserved spotlight,” he said.
The award dinner drew high-profile guests, including Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, Founder and CEO of Havilah Group, who chaired the occasion. In his remarks, he commended the awardees while stressing the urgent need for the Association to upgrade and efforts be made to complete Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library headquarters. “In today’s world, information is the new currency of progress. Yet, how can we speak of innovation and global competitiveness when our own National Library has remained unfinished for over two decades?” he queried.
In her keynote address, Prof. Ifeoma Echezona, immediate past University Librarian of the University of Abuja, highlighted that the future of libraries would not be defined by technology alone but by visionary leadership and institutional choices. “Libraries must embrace transformation with urgency, strengthen their institutional cultures, and champion equity in access to information. Their continued relevance will be measured not by volumes preserved, but by their ability to innovate, inspire, and ensure access as a universal right,” she emphasized.
The highlight of the evening was the official conferment of FNLA on the following recipients:
- Dr. (Mrs.) Vera N. Okonoko
- Prof. Jibril Attahiru Alhassan
- Dr. Abdulwahab Olanrewaju Issa
- Dr. Femi Zaccheaus Oguntuase
- Dr. Ifeanyi Jonas Ezema
- Prof. Ezra Shiloba Gbaje
In addition, the NLA proudly unveiled its new Brand Ambassadors, both renowned figures in the field of librarianship:
- Prof. (Chief) Samuel Ehimigbai Ifidon
- Prof. Abdulrashid Garba,.
The evening closed with a resounding call for innovation and professional service, as the NLA charted a renewed path of relevance in the digital age.
Signed:
Sylvester I. Ebhonu
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Library Association