Gbolagade Adebisi Author
Kunle Kasumu presenter on Channels Television,
Ibiso Graham Douglas — CEO, Paper Worth Books
Odufa Onalugho — Head Librarian, AF Lagos Library (Host)
Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan — Group Independent Non-Executive Director, Odu’a Investment Company Ltd. (Guest Speaker)
Sope Martins — Author, Founder, Kidlit Foundation
Amarachukwu Chimeka — Founder, Purple Shelves Publishing
Segun Dada — Founder, Kawe Africa
Busola Dada- Author
Lagos, Nigeria — In celebration of World Book Day, the Alliance Française Lagos Library, under the leadership of its Head Librarian, Odufa Onalugho, unveiled The First Look, a groundbreaking cultural project and Nigeria’s first-ever book cover exhibition, at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi.
Conceived and led by Odufa Onalugho, The First Look redefines how book covers are perceived—shifting them from being seen solely as commercial or “product design” elements to being recognized as standalone works of contemporary art. The exhibition explores the powerful intersection between visual art and literature, positioning the book cover as the reader’s first point of contact with a story.
At the heart of the project is the idea of the “visual prologue”—the notion that a book cover serves as an interpretive gateway, distilling an entire narrative into a single, evocative image. Through the use of typography, texture, color, and composition, the works on display demonstrate how cover design shapes perception, evokes emotion, and frames the reader’s experience before the first page is turned.
In her remarks, Odufa Onalugho emphasized that “we often judge books by their covers,” highlighting the essential role design plays in attracting readers and influencing literary engagement. She noted that The First Look is not just an exhibition, but a statement—one that challenges conventional hierarchies between art and literature and invites audiences to reconsider the cultural and creative value of book covers.
The event also featured a keynote presentation by Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, Group Independent Non-Executive Director, Odu’a Investment Company Ltd., who spoke on the influence of cover design on reader choices, the importance of visual storytelling, and how covers shape expectations even before a book is read.
A panel discussion with key figures in Nigeria’s literary and publishing ecosystem—including Ibiso Graham-Douglas (CEO, Paperworth Books), Sope Martins (Author, Founder of KidLit Foundation), Amarachukwu Chimeka (Founder, Purple Shelves Publishing), and Segun Dada (Founder, Kawe Africa)—further explored these ideas. Conversations addressed whether readers judge books by their covers, how design impacts reading decisions, the relationship between visual interpretation and narrative, and the need to balance creativity with authenticity.
The exhibition was well attended by authors, publishers, creatives, and cultural stakeholders, marking a significant moment for Nigeria’s literary and artistic communities.
Through The First Look, Odufa Onalugho not only celebrates World Book Day but also establishes a new cultural platform—one that positions libraries as dynamic spaces for innovation, dialogue, and interdisciplinary creativity.
