MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The fourth annual Mogadishu Book Fair which attracted thousands of participants has officially kicked off in Mogadishu.
The event which brought together a host of local and international authors, readers and literary enthusiasts from within and outside the country was formally opened Somali deputy Prime Minister, Mahdi Mohamed Guleid.
“Books and pens are the foundation of every government and we encourage such wonderful book festival. I’m happy to see our youth so eager and enthusiastic to celebrate books,” said Guleid during the opening remarks.
HE Khadar Guled voicing the beautiful song of “Alif La Kordhabey” to the audience. It has received tremendous applause & support from the audience. #MBF2018 pic.twitter.com/eGhEWUPInN
— The Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) August 15, 2018
The Mayor of Mogadishu, Abdirahman Omar Osman, and several other government officials, were among the prominent guests who visited Sahal Terminal that is hosting the event.
The book fair is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development for the second consecutive year.
The three days event whose theme is “Literature & Expression in Education” has inspired a reading and writing culture in the country with some of the authors featuring in the events having nurtured their writing skills through participation in the event.
Among the guests featuring in this year’s event are: Abdi Latif Ega the author of Guban, author Ahmed Yusuf who penned ‘The Lion’s Binding Oath’ and US University Professor Paul. D Williams whose book ‘Fighting for Peace in Somalia and many others.
The Deputy PM says his government is committed to support writing and reading in the Somali society.#MBF2018 pic.twitter.com/zYsp5J8dnY
— The Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) August 15, 2018
In a statement today, New Horizon which organised the event said the Book Fair will explore the role of literature in the education of the individual citizen and the nation overall.
The Mogadishu Book Fair was first organised in 2015 and it has grown into an annual attraction featuring thousands of writers, poets, journalists, and photographers from across the world.
Other cities that have held the annual event are Hargeisa, which celebrated its 11th anniversary in July, and Garowe and Kismayu.
On the other side of the hall, both @DeputySomaliPM & @engyarisow touring at the book stalls.We appreciate their presence & their encouraging speeches. #MBF2018 pic.twitter.com/W1PQhyg9aN
— The Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) August 15, 2018
First panel discussion moderated by @Qajafweyn is underway now. Panelists are:
Nasteha, author & acticist in Cairo
M. Bedel, Teacher
M. Shire, Researcher
M. Abdirahman founder of Aqriye.Topic: parents and Children’s reading.#MBF2018 pic.twitter.com/fmqnSrQmiC
— The Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) August 15, 2018
Macalin Maxamed Axmad Badel: Waxaa iga talo ah inaan xoogga saarno aqoonteenii asalka ahayd intaanu tan shisheeye aadin. Aan ku barbaarino caruurtena aqoonta iyo dhaqanka Soomaaliyeed.
#MBF2018 pic.twitter.com/japgYIl9wX— The Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) August 15, 2018
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