Room-to-Read touches down in Ibadan to Accessible’s warm embrace

By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo

AT precisely 11:30am, the much-anticipated Kenya Airways flight kissed the tarmac, carrying the radiant champions of literacy and learning—the Room-to-Read team—on their noble mission to plant the seeds of knowledge in Nigerian soil. The clouds wept softly, not in sorrow but in solemn celebration, as if nature itself applauded the arrival of the team whose work mirrors rainfall: quietly persistent, refreshingly transformative, and utterly vital.

Yet, the beauty of this moment didn’t bloom spontaneously. It was the fruit of planning, passion, and purpose.

Earlier that morning, at exactly 7:00am, the Accessible Publishers team had departed their corporate headquarters—affectionately known as the ‘Knowledge Hub in Oke Ado, Ibadan. Leaving before the city had fully woken, they embarked on the 140-kilometre journey to Lagos not out of obligation, but out of a profound commitment to a shared dream: spreading the power of books and literacy. The early departure was symbolic, echoing the company’s unwavering dedication. It was not just logistics—it was a pilgrimage to welcome kindred spirits.

Guiding this vision was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Accessible Publishers Ltd, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo. A seasoned publisher and staunch advocate for educational access, Mr. Adedapo had long prepared the ground for this moment. He ensured that the structures for success were firmly in place—from transportation logistics to strategic partnerships, from curated cultural experiences to a press-ready media reception.

Behind the scenes, his leadership galvanized every detail: coordinating security, assigning responsibilities, and rehearsing protocol—all underscored by his firm belief that the arrival of the Room to Read team was more than a corporate event. It was a historic alignment of visionaries across continents, converging in the name of learning. Awaiting the guests with open arms and meticulous coordination was the host team, led by Tosin Akeredolu, a dynamic project lead, and Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo, a coordinator whose passion for books is only rivaled by his drive for sustainable impact.

Their reception was a masterclass in cultural diplomacy and organizational excellence. When the Room to Read team descended the aircraft stairs, they met more than just smiling faces—they met intention, readiness, and love.

Each member of the Room-to-Read team, namely: Collins Munene, Zamaradi Islahi Said, Titus Kazungu and Alison Ziki upon arrival beamed with joy, exclaiming, “Nigeria feels like the beginning of something unforgettable!”

Commenting on the cool weather condition occasioned by the rainfall, one of the team members ethused: “…this project like the light rain that fell—may arrive softly, but its impact will seep deep, nourish roots, and bloom bookshelves in schools and communities across Nigeria. For in every drop of rain, there is a story. And in every book to be read, there is a world waiting to awaken. The tale has begun, and the world is listening.”

Accessible Publishers’ MD/CEO, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo (left) welcoming his Kenyan guests to his Ibadan office in a warm handshake with Associate Director, Literacy Africa, Mr. Tutus Kazungu

It was a confluence of culture, character and corporate chemistry, when on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at exactly 2:30pm on a sunny afternoon that the Room-to-Read team arrived in the historic city of Ibadan, Nigeria. Their journey began at the bustling Muritala Muhammed Airport and meandered through the Challenge/Mobil axis, down the busy arteries of Iyaganku, slicing through the storied streets of Oke Bola, and finally berthing at the cultural heartbeat of Oke Ado, Ibadan. It was here, at the uniquely conceived Knowledge Hub – the corporate seat of Accessible Publishers Ltd – that the team disembarked, not just to a destination, but into a new chapter of partnership.

Awaiting them was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo, a man whose presence precedes him and whose charisma fills the room before he even speaks. Clad in a resplendent Amotekun-coloured attire, his clothing spoke volumes—a sartorial salute to Yoruba heritage and a silent drumbeat echoing his commitment to culture and security, much like the Amotekun corps it represented.

Behind a polished desk, flanked by shelves brimming with literary treasures, Mr. Adedapo sat. With fingers poised over his computer and a twinkle in his eyes, he received the guests not with mere words, but with wisdom woven into witty words, hospitality laced with heritage, and a warm embrace that made formality feel like family.

When he rose from his executive seat, it was not just a gesture—it was a grand ovation to integrity and international collaboration. His rise sparked a ripple…of respect through the Room-to-Read team, who responded with bright smiles, hearty handshakes, and palpable admiration. It was as though the air itself shifted, now thick with the promise of possibility and shared purpose. The meeting space, alive with quiet dignity and cultural décor, became a melting pot of missions. The tone was neither stiff nor scripted—it flowed like a Yoruba drumbeat, rhythmic and rich, blending the formality of global intent with the informality of warm human connection. In this setting, ideas danced, laughter echoed, and stories sprouted like seeds in fertile soil.

One of the more curious members of the Room-to-Read team leaned forward with respectful intrigue and asked the question that bridged the past and present: “Why the name change—from Rasmed Publications to Accessible Publishers Ltd?”

Mr. Adedapo, ever the teacher, leaned back with the calm confidence of a man well-acquainted with his mission. His voice, firm but friendly, unfolded a narrative not just of branding, but of vision reborn.

“We chose Accessible,” he said, “because knowledge is a lamp that must not be hidden under a basket. Our mission is to make education reachable, readable, and relatable —to the child in a rural village, the teacher in a crowded classroom, the tech-savvy youth in the city, and the adult learner seeking to rewrite their future.”

With metaphors as vivid as a painter’s brushstroke, he described how Accessible Publishers was built on the belief that books should not just sit on shelves—they should sit in hearts. The company had expanded its reach through multiple platforms: traditional textbooks, digital e-learning solutions, audiobooks, and multilingual content tailored to diverse audiences.

More than a name, “Accessible” has become a movement, a mission to remove the fences around literacy. As Mr. Adedapo listed the firm’s accolades—national awards, global partnerships, and educational impact—each a feather in the cap of Accessible became a cornerstone in the Room-to-Read team’s growing conviction.

The Room-to-Read delegation, a mosaic of cultural backgrounds and educational expertise, sat enchanted, engaged, and energized. They nodded frequently, exchanged glances of approval, and occasionally scribbled notes—as if collecting drops of wisdom from a seasoned rainmaker. For every response Mr. Adedapo gave, he offered a proverb, a principle, and a path forward.

“He who opens a school door closes a prison,” he quoted Victor Hugo, reinforcing the gravity of their shared mission.

At the end of the meeting, it was clear—this was more than a courtesy visit. It was the foundation for a flourishing fellowship, grounded in shared values and uplifted by mutual admiration. Room-to-Read had not just visited a publishing house; they had encountered a temple of transformation, led by a man whose words built bridges and whose legacy was already writing tomorrow’s headlines.

As the sun began to dip behind the rooftops of Ibadan, it was evident: This was the beginning of a story worth telling—and telling well.