Port Harcourt Book Festival

The Port Harcourt Book Festival is a highly anticipated annual event organized by the Rainbow Book Club in collaboration with the Rivers State Government since 2008. Conceived by Koko Kalango, the festival aims to boost tourism and promote literacy in the region. Initially, the festival coincided with the United Nations' International Literacy Day on September 8th, but it has since expanded both in scope and acclaim.

The festival debuted in 2008 under the name Garden City Literary Festival, featuring distinguished literary figures such as Wole Soyinka, Kofi Awoonor, and Elechi Amadi. Over the years, it has showcased a diverse array of authors and themes, including luminaries like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Buchi Emecheta, and Dr. Chidi Achebe, the son of Chinua Achebe. As the festival grew, it extended its duration and continued to attract renowned literary personalities and activists.

In 2013, the festival was rebranded as the Port Harcourt Book Festival to further cement the city's reputation as a literary hub. The event consistently draws large audiences and accolades, including Port Harcourt being named UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2014. The festival remains a cornerstone for promoting literature, cultural exchange, and intellectual discussions in Nigeria and beyond.