THE Nigerian Publishers Association, South East Zone has disclosed that the National Annual General Meeting will be held in Enugu on the third and fourth of December, 2020.

They announced this during a press conference in Enugu on Wednesday.

The National Annual General meeting, for the year 2020, is to be themed, “Re-strategizing to strengthen Nigeria’s publishing industry to meet future challenges.”

The chairman National Organizing Committee for the conference and Chief Executive Officer African First Publishers, Augustine Onwubiko said that the aim behind the theme is anchored to the challenges that the Association has faced this year especially during the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, which birthed reduced  sales and limited cashflow.

While stating that Enugu is ready to host the National conference,  He outlined that some eminent personalities will be in attendance,  amongst which is Prof. Bankole Shonekan from Bankok University, who will serve in the capacity of a guest speaker, he is to address thoroughly, the theme of the conference.

Others include, The chairperson Prof. Joy Ezeilo, Team of panelist and stakeholders in the industry,  UBEB, TETFUND, States SUBEBS chairmen, Commissioners of Education from the states, Vice Chancellors of University’s in the South East, Nigeria Research Development Council, Ministry of Education amongst others.

The Royal Father of the day, Chairman Traditional Rulers Council Enugu State, His Royal Highness Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzo, the Spiritual Father of the day, The Anglican Bishop, Enugu Ecclesiastical province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma amongst other dignitaries.

In the same vein, The Vice Chairman of the Association and member anti-piracy taskforce, Dr. Jesse Odu, said the most daring  challenge being faced by the association is piracy, both local and international.

He alleged that some persons import books by fast selling publishers especially from China and Indonesia to distribute in major places like Aba, Onitsha and Lagos.

He called on the government to checkmate the activities of these pirates who bring in these books through our highways keeping them in their warehouses for distribution across the country.
He stated that the pirates do not pay royalties to the authors and do not pay taxes to government.

Chinedu Oformata added that the cost of production is one of the great challenges they encounter. He however advised that paper mills like Okon Ubukun and others which have gone moribund should be revived.

Nigerian Publishers Association, South East Zone prayed that the outlined challenges and more are expected to be thoroughly discussed at the conference, with hope at reaching viable and sustainable solutions.