RovingHeights Bookstores, a Nigerian bookstore chain, has linked the opening of a new outlet in Kano State to its high literacy level.
Its co-founder and chief executive officer, Adedotun Eyinade, described added that it was also a response to the city’s growing business activities and youthful population.
The new outlet, located at the Ado Bayero Mall, Zoo Road, Kano, marks the company’s expansion into its fifth city in Nigeria.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP at the event on Saturday, Eyinade said the bookstore, which started over 10 years ago from humble beginning in Lagos, has grown from operating out of a dining room to a chain of nine outlets across Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan and Kano.
They said Kano was a natural choice for expansion due to its position as one of Nigeria’s largest cities and a major commercial hub.
“Kano is the second-largest city in Nigeria. It is a city of commerce with significant human potential and business activity.
The literacy level is very high, there are many young people, universities and professionals here,” Eyinade said.
He added that the company’s existing customer base also influenced the decision to establish a physical presence in Kano.
“We have been selling books to Kano customers and delivering through third-party logistics companies. We felt we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn’t have a footprint here,” he stated.
Eyinade explained that the Kano outlet was designed not only as a bookstore but also as a community space where people can interact, learn and engage in intellectual activities.
According to him, the store will host book readings, author signings, open mic sessions, book club meetings and other events aimed at promoting community development.
“We like building communities. It is important to have spaces where people can meet others who are different from them. Those kinds of spaces are shrinking, and we believe places like this can do society a lot of good,” he said.
On the categories of books available at the outlet, Eyinade said the store would offer a wide range of titles, including Nigerian fiction, non-fiction, history, politics, biographies, business, self-help, children’s books and faith-based materials.
He also disclosed plans to expand its collection of Hausa-language books to cater to readers in Kano and the wider northern region.
“We are still learning what people in Kano like, but we are excited about the opportunity to serve the city,” he added.
Eyinade urged Kano residents to visit the outlet, saying customers could browse, relax at the in-store café, and participate in the activities lined up by the bookstore.
