OkadaBooks was a self-publishing and bookselling platform based in Nigeria,[1][2] founded by Okechukwu Ofili in 2013.[3][4][5] It was selected by Google's "Google for Start-up Accelerator" in 2017.[6] In 2018, it hosted a writing competition in partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank called "Dusty Manuscript".[7]
 OkadaBooks logo | |
| Type of business | Internet company |
|---|---|
Type of site | Reading app, self-publishing |
| Available in | English |
| Dissolved | November 30, 2023 |
| Headquarters | Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Owner | OkadaBooks |
| Founder(s) | Okechukwu Ofili |
| URL | okadabooks.com |
| Registration | Required |
| Launched | 2013 |
| Current status | Defunct |
| Native client(s) on | Android, iOS, Web |
History
editOkadaBooks was founded by Okechukwu Ofili in 2013.[8][9][10] The name is a combination of okada – a motorcycle taxi typically used to circumvent traffic in Nigeria and other West African countries – and books.[3] The platform was started when the founder was still an author at BellaNaija and YNaija, and was frustrated at the fact that bookshops were not paying him for books already sold.[11][12][13] OkadaBooks offers books as mobile phone downloads.[2]
On 30 November 2023, the platform was closed with the owners citing "insurmountable challenges" as the reason.[14][15]
References
edit- ^ Philip Nwosu (6 November 2020). "Digital economy in Nigeria driven by innovative platforms – John Obaro". The Sun Online.
- ^ a b Tolu Ogunlesi (6 October 2015). "A new chapter in Nigeria's literature". Financial Times.
- ^ a b "Make Authors Rich Again". International Publishers Association. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
- ^ "Celebrate children's day with these books on OkadaBooks this weekend". Business Day. 29 May 2021.
- ^ Otosirieze Obi-Young (31 August 2018). "African Writers Series' Classics Now Available for Affordable Downloads on OkadaBooks". Brittle Paper. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
- ^ Yomi Kazeem (20 March 2018). "Google is making good on its promise to bet more on African startups and developers". Quartz.
- ^ Jayne Augoye (9 February 2018). "'Dusty Manuscript' contest for budding writers berths in Lagos". Premium Times.
- ^ Adaobi Onyeakagbu (29 October 2018). "Okechukwu Ofili, CEO of Okadabooks, is our MCM today!". Pulse Nigeria.
- ^ Muyiwa Matuluko (22 April 2014). "Okadabooks Review: The Truly African eBook Platform". TechCabal.
- ^ "Okadabooks: Warum Nigeria kein Kindle braucht". Deutsche Welle (in German). 4 October 2017.
- ^ Hadassah Egbedi (17 September 2017). "OkadaBooks – The Innovative Platform Revolutionising Book Publishing In Nigeria". Ventures Africa. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
- ^ Laju Iren (23 November 2016). "Okada books: How one company is 'recycling' the publishing wheel". Vanguard Nigeria Newspaper.
- ^ Kole Omotoso (13 March 2019). "OkadaBooks comes to the rescue!!!". The Guardian.
- ^ Eleanya, Frank (21 November 2023). "Okadabooks to shut online book store over 'insurmountable' challenges". Business Day. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ Oloruntade, Ganiu (20 November 2023). "Digital publishing pioneer Okada Books is shutting down after ten years". Tech Cabal. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
External links
edit- okadabooks.com (defunct)