tomilola adeyemo

In a recent interview, Reuben Abati posed a question that revealed a common misconception about Nigerian readers. Speaking to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, he asked about her decision to tour Nigeria, describing it as a place where “distribution is a problem, many of the bookstores no longer exist” and the ones that seem to be thriving are always out of stock, referencing what he called “this poorly literate population.”

Adichie’s response was immediate and decisive: “No. No. No. Oga Reuben, I am going to disagree with you saying that Nigerians are not literate.”

When Abati clarified that he meant Nigerians don’t have a strong reading culture, Adichie pushed back again, highlighting that the issue isn’t about literacy or love for reading, it’s about accessibility. “I think it is also about books being affordable and available. There is a reading community here. I did a signing the last time I was home and it was incredible. Especially young people. Like you, I would think Nigerians don’t read, how can we get them reading? But I saw all of these young, very enthusiastic people.” 

This exchange perfectly captures a persistent narrative that continues to underestimate Nigeria’s reading culture. But recent publishing successes tell a different story entirely.

Consider the remarkable achievement of Tomilola Coco Adeyemo’s debut novel, A Very Gidi Christmas. Published and released in late October 2024 by Masobe books, this romance novel has sold an impressive 3,000 copies in less than a year, a figure that might seem modest to those unfamiliar with publishing realities, but represents extraordinary success in today’s literary market.

To put this achievement in perspective: in the U.S., one of the largest publishing markets in the world, a book sells an average of just 300 copies over its lifetime. Of course, that number reflects a mix of factors, but it’s still eye-opening. So when a Nigerian debut romance novel crosses 3,000 copies in less than a year, in spite of ongoing challenges with distribution and pricing, it signals a market that is substantive. This in itself is remarkable. Kudos to Adeyemo, her publisher Masobe, and bookstores like Roving Heights where the book is sold.

A Very Gidi Christmas is a second-chance romance set primarily in Lagos during the Christmas season, exploring themes of betrayal, second chances, and sacrifice. In it, Biodun ‘BG’ Gomez is drowning in Lagos; overdue rent, a precarious radio job, and unrequited love for her co-host. Kunle Bakare, reformed playboy turned ambitious executive, is fighting to prove he deserves the CEO position at his family’s company on merit alone. Twelve years ago, they shared a secret that still haunts them both. When hidden enemies expose that secret, the resulting scandal threatens everything they’ve built—their careers, their futures, and the love they thought was lost forever. The author, Tomilola Coco Adeyemo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife which prompted a career in writing. She found early success in Nollywood with credits on hit TV shows, documentaries and Nigeria’s first feature-length animation.

The book’s success also speaks to the effectiveness of local publishing initiatives. While established international publishers dominate global conversations, independent publishers in Nigeria are creating pathways for authors to reach readers directly. In the interview, Commending their efforts, Adichie recognizes, “…independent publishers in this country who are really trying. And for me the goal is what do we do to make this better?” This grassroots approach to publishing is fostering a literary ecosystem that serves local tastes while building sustainable reading communities.

The key insight from both Adichie’s experience and Adeyemo’s success is that Nigerian readers exist in significant numbers. They’re enthusiastic, they cut across age groups, and they’re eager to engage with literature. The challenge isn’t creating a reading culture, it’s ensuring books are “affordable and available.”

Stories like Adeyemo’s success challenge us to reconsider our assumptions about reading culture in Nigeria. Rather than asking whether Nigerians read, we should be celebrating the evidence that they do, enthusiastically and in meaningful numbers. The young, vibrant readers Adichie encountered at her book signing are the same demographic driving sales of novels like A Very Gidi Christmas. They represent a generation that’s creating demand for diverse stories, supporting local authors, and building a literary culture that reflects their experiences and aspirations.

As we move forward, the question isn’t whether Nigeria has a reading culture, the numbers and success stories prove it does. The question is how we can continue to support and expand this culture by making books more accessible, affordable, and available to the readers who are clearly eager for them.

Ready to join Nigeria’s vibrant reading community? A Very Gidi Christmas is available in bookstores across Nigeria and on Amazon worldwide. It’s your turn to experience the romance, drama, and Christmas magic that has captivated over 3,000 readers and counting.