Oluwatuyi’s the fine art of unveiling bookselling

Recently, Oluwadare Oluwatuyi’s The Fine Art Of Bookselling: Reflections Of Nigeria’s Industry Stakeholders, a which captures the beautiful back stories of Nigeria’s book industry and how much the industry has evolved with each generation was unveiled in Lagos.

Held at the OPTS Hall, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, LCCI, Alausa, the book event was the first time practitioners of the book value chain came together.

Considering, the deep affection employed by the author, a man who steadily climbed up the ladder of the book industry to become the managing director of Nigeria’s first bookshop chain and publishing industry, Church Society Supply, (CSS) Bookshop, with its over 100-year history, as a missionary outfit set to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ, said part of the challenges in the book industry was production. He said, “producing books locally is expensive, because we buy everything, including things used in the office.”

On her part, Managing Director, FAE Limited, Princess Layo Bakare Okeowo, urged the government to revive the paper mill industry, which could attract investors, thereby creating employment for our teeming youths, as there would be no need for irregular migration or exporting our children in search of greener pastures.

She said: “Printing costs have affected the industry and people can actually come together and form clusters to make 50 tons per day. For instance, if $5 million is required, then people can pull resources together and form clauses. The bookshop business abroad is lucrative.”

Okeowo equally appealed to government to establish a paper research institute to revive the paper industry and look at ways to make it another oil that we could export. She emphasised the establishment of a paper research institute in Nigeria by the government, which would bring about numerous benefits for the country.

Enumerating why the benefits of such an institute should be created in the country, he said: “Economic growth: The paper industry has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. By establishing a research institute, the government can support the growth and development of the paper industry, leading to increased job opportunities, investments, and exports. This would result in economic growth and reduced dependence on imports.

“Technological advancement: Research institutes play a crucial role in fostering innovation and technological advancements. By focusing on paper research, Nigeria can develop new techniques, methods, and machinery that would improve the efficiency, quality, and environmental sustainability of the paper industry. These advancements can also be applied to other sectors, stimulating overall technological growth.

“Environmental sustainability: A research institute dedicated to the paper industry can help develop sustainable practices and technologies. This would minimize the environmental impact associated with paper production and promote responsible forestry and waste management. Nigeria can become a leader in sustainable paper production, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and protect natural resources.

“Knowledge sharing and capacity building: A dedicated research institute can serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, training, and capacity building within the paper industry. This would aid in the dissemination of best practices, encourage collaboration between industry players, and enhance the skills of local professionals. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, the institute would contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of the paper industry.

“Government support and regulation: The establishment of a research institute demonstrates the government’s commitment to the development of the paper industry. It can provide a platform for policymakers to understand industry challenges, establish appropriate regulations, and create a favourable environment for growth.”
Each page of the well researched book takes you on a journey into the nation’s book industry’s inspiring story.

Practitioners in the entire book value chain – from writers to publishers, booksellers and the general Nigerian reader – are excited about the publication, as it promises to fill some of the yawning gaps that have existed in the book trade over the years.

Dignitaries at the launch included the Chairman of Accessible Publishers Ltd/REPRONIG CEO, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo (Book Presenter); Managing Director/CEO, Havilah Group of Companies, Lagos, Chief Olanrewaju Damion Adesuyi, Princess ‘Layo Bakare-Okeowo; the Dean, Faculty of Law at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, and former Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Abuja, Prof. Olanrewaju A. Onadeko (SAN), while the book reviewer was Lead Consultant, Double-O Communications, Lagos, Dr. Olayinka Oyegbile.