About Nkọwa – Stories Shouldn't Cost a Fortune
Hi, I'm Daniel.
I'm a Nigerian who loves books – but I'm tired of how expensive they are. And I know I'm not alone.
I created Nkọwa because I believe that stories shouldn't cost a fortune.
What Does "Nkọwa" Mean?
Nkọwa (pronounced n-koh-wah) is an Igbo word that means "explanation" or "story."
It's the perfect name for what we do here:
We explain Nigerian literature – breaking down complex books, themes, and author legacies so everyone can understand.
We explain the reading crisis in Nigeria – why books are expensive, why libraries are dying, and what we can do about it.
We tell stories – about authors, about readers, and about the books that define our culture.
Why This Blog Exists
I started Nkọwa for three reasons.
1. Books Are Too Expensive in Nigeria
The average Nigerian novel costs between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000. For a student or young professional, that's often a week's worth of food or transport.
How can anyone build a reading culture when a single book costs more than a daily wage?
I wanted to create a space that:
Exposes the real reasons behind high book prices.
Provides solutions – where to find cheap books, how to build a library on a budget, and which books are worth your money.
Builds a community of readers who refuse to be priced out of knowledge.
2. Nigerian Literature Deserves Better Attention
We have some of the greatest writers in the world – Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie, Ayòbámi Adébáyò, Chigozie Obioma, and so many more.
But too often, these authors are only read in school. Or they're overlooked for foreign books. Or people don't know where to start.
At Nkọwa, we:
Break down books so you know what to read and why.
Spotlight authors – both living legends and veteran voices.
Connect the dots between literature and our daily lives as Nigerians.
3. Reading Culture Needs a Revival
Nigeria has one of the lowest reading rates in the world. Only 56% of adults read at least one book annually. And 45 million children aged 7–14 cannot read a simple sentence.
That's not because we're not intelligent. It's because:
Our school curriculum kills pleasure reading.
Public libraries are practically non-existent.
Books are priced out of reach.
This blog is my small contribution to reversing that trend.
What We Write About
Nkọwa covers 6 core categories, all focused on Nigerian reading culture and literature:
Everything we publish is free to read, because we believe knowledge shouldn't be locked behind a paywall.
Who I Am – Experience, Expertise, and Trust
I'm not a literary academic. I'm not a publisher. I'm not a bookseller.
But here's why you can trust what I write:
✅ Experience
I've been a reader all my life. I know the frustration of walking into a bookshop and leaving empty-handed because everything costs too much. I've built my own home library on a shoestring budget. I've watched friends and family give up on reading because they couldn't afford to keep up.
✅ Expertise
I've read extensively – from Achebe to Adichie, from Nwapa to Okorafor. I've studied Nigerian literary history and the forces that shape our reading culture. I understand the publishing ecosystem: printing costs, forex, distribution, and the economics of Nigerian books.
✅ Authoritativeness
I don't just offer opinions. I back up every claim with data – from UNESCO reports, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, National Library records, and interviews with authors and publishers. Every article cites credible sources.
✅ Trustworthiness
This blog is non-commercial for now. I'm not selling anything. I'm not pushing affiliate links. I'm not here to make a quick profit. I'm here to build a community of informed, passionate readers.
Why I Do This (Even Though It Takes Time)
I'm not a full-time writer. I have a job, responsibilities, and a life outside this blog.
But I believe that stories shouldn't cost a fortune. I believe that a country that reads is a country that thinks. I believe that every Nigerian child deserves to know the joy of getting lost in a book without their parents having to choose between feeding them and buying a textbook.
So I write. I research. I interview. And I share everything I learn – for free.
If you're reading this, you're part of that mission. Thank you.
What's Next for Nkọwa?
Right now, Nkọwa is a blog. But I have a bigger vision, but that's a long way off. For now, I'm building trust, proving my knowledge, and creating content that helps you read better and spend less.
How You Can Help
If you believe in what Nkọwa is doing, here's how you can support:
Read. Share. Comment. Engagement tells me what matters to you.
Tell a friend who loves books but hates high prices. Let them know there's a community for them.
Suggest a topic – what would you like us to cover? What books frustrate you? What authors do you love?
Stay tuned – when we launch our surprise package, you'll be the first to know. And because you're an early reader, you'll get a discount.
Let's Build a Reading Culture Together
Nkọwa means explanation. It means story.
And every story deserves to be told – and every Nigerian deserves to read it.
Welcome to Nkọwa. Stories shouldn't cost a fortune.
— Daniel
Contact
I'd love to hear from you.
Email: chidiebereifegwu@gmail.com
Social: @readnkowa (Instagram, Twitter/X, Medium)
Blog: thenkowa.blogspot.com