Zamfara State has joined the league of states hosting branches of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) following the official takeover of a temporary office space donated by the Zamfara State Government in Gusau, the State capital.Zamfara State has joined the league of states hosting branches of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) following the official takeover of a temporary office space donated by the Zamfara State Government in Gusau, the State capital.

The National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, was received in audience by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, who was joined by his Deputy, the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, Principal Private Secretary, and other senior government officials. She was led to the courtesy visit by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, and the Executive Director, Zamfara State Library Board, Ibrahim Ahmad Ribe.

In her remarks, the National Librarian highlighted the specialized and strategic roles of the National Library’s branch in the State. She explained that the operations of the NLN are centered on safeguarding the nation’s intellectual and cultural heritage, serving as the legal depository of publications and bibliographic control centre, and administering standard publication identifiers such as the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), and Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) data.

Professor Anunobi noted that these services are distinct from, yet complementary to, those provided by State libraries, and that the establishment of the branch will bring significant relief to the people of Zamfara State who had previously travelled to neighbouring states to access such services. She expressed profound appreciation to the State Government for the donation of the facility and appealed for continued support in upgrading the temporary office space or relocation to a more befitting space. 

In his response, Governor Dauda Lawal commended the National Librarian for her courage in personally visiting the State despite the negative projections of insecurity often associated with Zamfara. He emphasized that education remains the foremost priority of his administration, recalling that a state of emergency was declared in the education sector, which has led to the renovation of over 560 schools across the State.

The Governor described the day as historic and symbolic for library and educational development in Zamfara State. He noted that the official opening of the NLN Zamfara State Branch and the State Executive Council’s consideration of the memorandum for the renovation of the State Library Board complex, both taking place on the same day underscore his administration’s strong commitment to strengthening the library system and revitalizing reading and learning culture across the State. He pledged his government’s continued partnership and support for the National Library of Nigeria in its efforts to expand access to knowledge and promote literacy among the citizens.

The National Librarian was accompanied on the visit by the Director, Public Services Department, Mr. J.K. Ojo; the Deputy Director/Head of Physical Planning Division, Mr. Orshi Ayatse; and her Special Assistant on Professional Matters, Mr. Mohammed Nma Baba.