Nigerian Publishers Association charts path for AI-driven operations at conference 2024

By Wole Adedoyin

THE Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) held its 2024 yearly conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. The event, which marked the fourth in the series under the leadership of Chief Uchenna Cyril Anioke, PhD. It brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s publishing industry and other guests.

While welcoming his guests, Chief Anioke highlighted the progress made by the association since his administration’s inauguration on December 4, 2020. He reflected on previous conferences, and described them as milestones in addressing the challenges of the publishing sector in the country.

“Each conference theme was chosen to tackle pressing industry concerns,” he noted, referencing themes from past years that tackled economic sustainability, the impact of digital transformation, and the revitalization of local paper production.

He said the conference theme, “Publishing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Content Creation, Delivery, and Copyright,” was a timely choice, and emphasized the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in publishing while also acknowledging the challenges it poses. He encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions about adopting AI technology to enhance content creation, improve delivery systems, and protect copyright.

The keynote speaker and Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Dr. John Asein was commended for his expertise in intellectual property and anti-piracy fight. Chief Anioke expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Asein’s insights, describing him as a “legal luminary and intellectual property icon.”

Also supporting the discussions was a panel of experts, including Mr. David Oluwagbami, Dr. (Mrs.) Chika Yinka-Banjo, and Engr. Ifeanyi Avajah, who explored the multifaceted implications of AI in the publishing sector.

The conference was chaired by a renowned chartered accountant and past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola. The Special Guest of Honour, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was lauded for his contributions to education in the state, particularly in reducing the number of out-of-school children and promoting quality learning.

Chief Anioke reiterated the association’s longstanding calls for Federal Government’s intervention in cerrtain critical areas affecting the industry. These, he said, include involving publishers in curriculum reforms, reviving moribund paper mills, and fostering policies that encourage the production of books in indigenous languages, asserting, “The current practice of excluding publishers from curriculum development is unacceptable and amounts to intellectual sabotage.”

Chief Anioke also appealed for greater private-sector investment in paper production to reduce reliance on imports, thereby addressing foreign exchange pressures and capital flight. He called on the government to work with the publishing sector to ensure sustainable practices and promote local content production.

The event also served as a platform to celebrate the association’s achievements, including the establishment of a permanent secretariat after 55 years. Chief Anioke credited the foresight of his predecessors, particularly the last executive council led by Gbadega Adadepo for securing the land that made the project possible.

As NPA approaches its 60th anniversary next year, Chief Anioke expressed profound gratitude to the association’s founding fathers, past presidents, and members for their unwavering commitment. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of partners such as the African Publishers Network (APNET) and the International Publishers Association (IPA) for amplifying Nigeria’s voice in global publishing.

The association extended special gratitude to corporate sponsors, including Clean Life Nigeria Ltd, Nixin Paper Mills and Everest Pulp and Paper Ltd for their financial support. Chief Anioke also praised the 2024 AGM Planning Committee, led by Vice President Alhaji Dauda Lukman, for organizing a successful event.

The conference concluded with a resounding appreciation for educators, students, and members of the press, whose participation reinforced the importance of the publishing industry to national development. Chief Anioke reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to driving growth and innovation in the sector, emphasizing collaboration as the key to future success.

The Chairman of NPA conference, Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola (left); Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe, representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Olusola Ibidapo-Obe; keynote speaker and Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein; Ag. Executive Secretary, NERDC, Dr. Taiwo Lawani; NPA Vice President, Mr. Lukman Dauda; representative of Executive Secretary, UBEC, Mrs. Grace Samuel and NPA President, Chief (Dr.) Uchenna Anioke