As part of efforts to reposition the Nigeria printing industry for optimal performance, stakeholders in the printing industry recently held Printers National Conference in Lagos.
The conference was held at the Business Club, Ikeja on Thursday, 16th November 2017. The Theme for the conference was “Role of Functioning Industries in Economy Recovery; “Printing as a Case Study” and Professional Guide to Award of Printing Contract” Nigerian Situation as a case Study.
The Program was proudly supported by the Nigerian Security Printing & Mining PLC, Heidelberg Nigeria Limited and ASSPPON, an affiliate body to the chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON.)
The Chairman of CIPPON in the person of Mr Wahab A. Muhammed Lawal gave the opening remarks.
After welcoming all stakeholders to the conference and commended everyone who played a role for the success of the program, the chairman went down memory lane on the election that was held to elect Council Members into CIPPON. The CIPPON Council Member fist consist of the following names as reeled out by the chairman; Mr Wahab A.O muhammed Lawal, Malam Ndagi Muhammed Abubakar, Rev. Kayode Sosanya, Ahaji Yakubu A. Ibrahim (now late) Julius Omoboriowo Aina, Alhaji F. Ola Oreniwa, Aremo Olu Oyeneye, Dr E. W.A. Kukoyi, Alhaji Aliu Adeshina A, Rev. Nnorom Okechukwu, Bolarinwa Olanrewaju, Alhaji Sanni Ahmed Garkida, Fidelis Emma Inya, Mrs, Regina Bewarang, Timothy .O. Okunola, Charles A. Adaramoye, Adebayo Olumide Emmanuel, Alhaji Yahaya Amfani And Egnuniwe Nwora.
Speaking further at the occasion, Lawal expressed his bitterness and the apparent disunity prevalent among print practitioners. He complained about the lack of regulation in the print industry and alluded that this is also the reason printers today are relegated and not reaping the gains thereof of their profession. He mentioned that the seeming lack of regulation and control in the industry are discouraged older members from renewing their license while others have simply refused to identify and register with CIPPON. He blamed the many woes and challenges in the industry today on the unpleasant attitudes of the print stakeholders and challenged them to begin to make contributions to the growth of the sector at their individual capacity.
Mr Wahab also said that his greatest desire is to see printers come out of obscurity. He mentioned that this is achievable with the collective efforts and contribution of all stakeholders. “We must get a regulation for the print industry” and we should all try to contribute to bring printers out of slavery .
The second segment of the conference was for questions and answers. Mrs Adesola Falaye, Mr Iyke and some others members asked questions bordering on how to move the organization forward.
The program came to an end with investiture of awards and presentation of certificates by the president, Mr Wahab A. Mohammed Lawal to those that merited them.