By Wole Adedoyin
The Booksellers Association of Nigeria has announced the election of its new Executive Committee, led by the Managing Director of Consolidated Books LTD, Dapo Fisayo, as President.
The election, held to steer the association’s vision from 2024 to 2026, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s publishing landscape.
Joining President Dapo Fisayo on the Executive Committee are distinguished individuals who bring a wealth of experience and passion for the booksellling world. Moses MC-Daniel, from Progressive Educational Services in Kaduna, assumes the role of 1st Vice President (North), while Elder Linus Dike of Linus Books in Port Harcourt, steps into the position of 2nd Vice President (South).
The administrative backbone of the association is reinforced by Johnson Abdul of CSS Bookshops Limited, Lagos, as General Secretary, and Jemiyotan A. Brikinns of Mosuro – The GC Booksellers, Ibadan, as Assistant General Secretary. Roberts Lawson of Tyl Ventures takes on the responsibilities of Treasurer, with Tony Ichibe of The Book Company, Lagos, serving as Financial Secretary.
In a bid to enhance communication and outreach, Tony Akpokene of The Flomat Books, Asaba, has been elected as the Public Relations Officer, tasked with fostering stronger ties between BAN and the wider community.
Notable figures from the bookselling industry, including the immediate past president Dare Oluwatuyi, have been appointed as ex-officio members. They include Sunday Jesmiel of Brooks Consolidated Books & Investments, Jos; Henry Auguo of EPP Books Limited, Lagos; Edith Obieke of High Flyers Bookshop, Lagos; and Chief Loye Olowookere of Too Ventures, Abuja.
Addressing the newly elected Executive Committee, Dare Oluwatuyi, the immediate past President who served meritoriously with his executive members for five consecutive years (comprising two terms and an additional year), emphasized the importance of unity and dedication in achieving the association’s vision. He urged them to uphold BAN’s legacy as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s publishing industry.
Dr. Kolade Mosuro of the Booksellers Limited, Ibadan, expressed gratitude on behalf of the association to the outgoing executive members. He specifically thanked the President, Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, for his selfless service and for elevating the association beyond the state in which he found it.
Expressing his commitment to the revitalization of BAN, President Dapo Fisayo pledged to harness the collective efforts of the committee in restoring the vibrancy that characterized booksellers as invaluable partners in the publishing and distribution ecosystem of Nigeria.
Mr. Dayo Alabi of The Book Company was the Returning Officer for the election.
As BAN embarks on this new chapter under the leadership of President Dapo Fisayo and his dedicated team, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of booksellers and promoting a thriving literary culture in Nigeria.
The Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the interests of booksellers and advancing the publishing industry in Nigeria. With a rich history spanning several decades, BAN plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders and advocating for policies that support the growth and development of the literary ecosystem.
