NPA Charts Path for AI-Driven Publishing at 2024 Annual Conference

 

NIGERIAN PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION CHARTS PATH FOR AI-DRIVEN PUBLISHING AT 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

By Wole Adedoyin

The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) held its 2024 Annual 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 Sir (Chief) Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D., FPIN, FICMC, brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s publishing industry and other distinguished guests.

Delivering the welcome address, Chief Anioke highlighted the progress made by the association since his administration's inauguration on December 4, 2020. Reflecting on previous conferences, he described them as milestones in addressing the challenges of the publishing sector. “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.

For 2024, the conference theme, “Publishing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Content Creation, Delivery, and Copyright,” was a timely choice. Chief Anioke emphasized the transformative potential 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, Dr. John Asein, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), was commended for his expertise in intellectual property and anti-piracy. Chief Anioke expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Asein’s insights, describing him as a “legal luminary and intellectual property icon.” Supporting the discussions were 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 Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola, a renowned chartered accountant and past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). The Special Guest of Honour, Lagos State Governor, His Excellency 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.

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

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) in amplifying Nigeria's voice in global publishing.

The association extended special thanks 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 stressed 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.

“Long live the NPA! Long live Lagos State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” he proclaimed as he brought his address to a close, setting an optimistic tone for the association’s future endeavors.