Nigerian Publishers Association celebrates 60 years of ‘impact, innovation, inclusion’
By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
THE Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) on Thursday, November 27, 2025, formally announced a promise of excellence as it unveiled plans for its diamond anniversary, with its President, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, assuring stakeholders and the public of a “top-notch, professionally delivered celebration worthy of sixty years of service to Nigeria and the world of books.”
The assurance was given at a press conference held at the NPA Secretariat, No. 1 Bethlehem Crescent, FRIN/Aleshinloye Road, Jericho Hill GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State, where the association rolled out activities for the anniversary and national conference. Beyond outlining the programme of events, Dauda also officially unveiled the anniversary theme, keynote speaker and distinguished guests expected at the landmark celebration.
Alhaji Dauda disclosed that the celebration would climax on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, with the conference commencing by 9am GMT (10am WAT). He announced the Diamond Jubilee theme as ‘Publishing in Nigeria: 60 Years of Impact, Innovation and Inclusion.’ He further disclosed that the Keynote Address would be delivered by the Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Accra, Ghana, Dr. Wale Okediran, describing him as “a pan-African literary force whose career embodies the intellectual depth and international relevance of African writing and publishing.”
NPA Executive Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Iyiola (left) and President, NPA, Alhaji Lukman Dauda at the press briefing… in Ibadan
Alhaji Dauda also revealed that the event would be graced by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, alongside other prominent political office holders, captains of industry, policy influencers, international publishing leaders, writers, scholars and cultural icons from Nigeria and across the world.
According to him, the stature of invited personalities reflects the growing recognition of publishing as a strategic sector in national development, diplomacy and the knowledge economy.
“The Diamond Anniversary is not a ceremonial marker alone,” the NPA president declared. “It is a national checkpoint, a moment to assess impact, renew purpose and clearly define the road ahead. We are committed to delivering a celebration that mirrors the legacy, depth and responsibility of Nigerian publishing.”
From the outset, the briefing rose above routine programme announcements to one of strategic engagement on the place of publishing in national development, with Alhaji Dauda positioning the NPA not merely as a professional association, but as a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s educational and cultural infrastructure.
Reflecting on the association’s journey from a professional guild to a policy-relevant institution, the president noted that over the past 60 years, NPA has entrenched ethical standards, advanced copyright advocacy, professionalised publishing practice, and expanded indigenous publishing in education and the creative economy.
“Our story is intertwined with Nigeria’s growth,” he said. “The book is not just a product, it is a tool of civilisation. Through publishing, we mould thinking, preserve culture and stimulate enterprise.”
According to him, the influence of the association spans classrooms, libraries, government institutions and the creative industry, shaping learners, teachers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers alike. Alhaji Dauda framed publishing as an indispensable national utility.
“Education cannot travel without books,” he stressed. “Curriculum is raw material; publishing converts it into usable knowledge. Without publishing, education remains intent without impact.”
He disclosed ongoing engagements with governments’ agencies aimed at improving curriculum delivery, expanding access to quality textbooks and strengthening learning outcomes across the country.
Rebutting the notion that publishing is merely cultural, Alhaji Dauda described the sector as a driver of economic growth, adding, “Publishing is business with a conscience. It creates jobs, fuels innovation and sustains value chains across printing, logistics, retail and digital services.”
He acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence in editorial work, production processes and design, but warned against blind dependence, saying, “AI is a powerful assistant, but total reliance invites legal and ethical risks, particularly around copyright and authorship,” stating that NPA is developing frameworks to guide responsible technology adoption within the industry.
On copyright protection, he reaffirmed: “The credibility of the association was earned, not gifted. It stands on integrity, professionalism and compliance with standards.”
Reaffirming commitment to local content development, the president noted that Nigerian publications now circulate widely across Africa and the diaspora. “We go global by staying authentically Nigerian. Global relevance does not require cultural erasure.”
Tributes were paid to pioneers and past leaders whose sacrifices laid the association’s foundation, noting, “Their courage, sacrifice and vision built the NPA we inherit today. At sixty, we honour them not with nostalgia, but by deepening the work they began.”
As the press briefing drew to a close, Alhaji Dauda extended an open invitation to governments’ institutions, educators, industry partners, development agencies and the general public to participate in the Diamond Jubilee celebration.
“This celebration belongs not only to publishers. It belongs to everyone who believes in education, culture and national progress.”
With that call, the Nigerian Publishers Association formally set in motion a historic Diamond Anniversary that promises to be reflective, visionary and worthy of six decades defined by books, ideas and nation-building.
