Follow Us on Google
By Damiete Braide
President/Chairman-in-Council, Nigerian Publishers Association, Chief Uchenna Cyril Anioke, has said that the task of rescuing our publishing and printing systems is in our hands – “We must not let it die! And the time to let it breathe again is now! Let us unite to say, forward ever, backward never!”
•Dignitaries at the event
Anioke made this known at the just concluded Annual General Conference and Meeting of Nigerian Publishers Association with the theme “Revitalising Local Production of Paper in Nigeria: Panacea for a Sustainable Publishing Industry”, which took place at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.
In his address of welcome, Anioke said the theme was carefully chosen in view of the amplified campaigns for the use of made-in-Nigeria products and services. He noted: “Our indigenous publishers possess the technological and technical know-how to produce high quality books of various genres.
“The continuous patronage of foreign publishers by many Nigerian publishers (especially in the production of nursery, primary and secondary books, no matter the perceived advantages), will not only undermine our local economy but will definitely deny our teeming young population/professionals the opportunity to work and make decent livelihoods. Most worrisome, it would jeopardise the sustainable growth and development of the publishing industry in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, the production of books in a foreign land is now viewed as a status symbol rather than a clear sabotage of our fragile economy, export of jobs, and indeed a needless pressure on our forex. We must think of Nigeria, act Nigeria, and, most importantly, derive pride in the use of the Nigerian brand.
Anioke hinted that NPA’s dream had been fulfilled because, since its establishment in 1965, the organisation had been at the forefront of the production and distribution of qualitative and creative educational materials in Nigeria and beyond.
“We have consistently done so not minding the barrage of crises that has militated against our operations in the last six decades. Through the dogged demonstration of resilience and perseverance, we have carried out this arduous and thankless national service in a bid to contribute our own quota to building our great nation,” he said. Keynote speaker, Prof Rotimi Oladele, Chief Executive Officer, Megavoice Publications Limited, in his lecture on the theme, said: “Our population and level of development make us a big market for paper merchants.
“We need to stop the huge forex capital flight to other countries annually. We need to create jobs in this ecosystem while paper sustainability lasts.” He urged stakeholders to close ranks now and work together to influence relevant government agencies to also work together on this causative pursuit.
As part of the action plan needed, the guest speaker emphasised that a structure must be built and there should be synergy for mobilisation and action plan such as establishing a printing and publishing chamber.
“Establish a printing and publishing chamber of commerce with key stakeholders’ involvement, like CIPPRON, NPA, NPA, NPA, NPAN, Guild of Editors, ANA libraries, etc.
“Influence the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on paper, set up paper and Graphics Development Commission, and spearhead robust research and destructive innovation in recycling policy and enterprise development to create SMEs in interest with paper production from recycling.”
Dr John Asein, Director-General Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), moderated a panel session that had discussants, including Hassan Bala, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Learn Africa Plc, Mr Hilary Ohaeto Nwaokpo, who represented the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mr. Olugbemi Malomo, National President, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON); Mrs. Funlayo Okeowo, Managing Director FAE Limited, and Prof Abiodun Oluwadare, Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan, spoke extensively on the theme.
