The federal government has tasked the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) with collaborating with the public and private sectors to drive growth and innovation for the benefit of the country.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the charge during the inauguration of the new president and members of the governing council of the institute in Abuja on Monday.

The minister was represented at the event by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Chinasa Ogbodo.

According to him, the composition of the institute’s governing council members reflects confidence in their professionalism, integrity and capacity to advance the standards of the printing profession.

He noted that the printing industry remains a critical pillar of national development, adding that it supports information dissemination, education, governance, commerce and cultural preservation.

“In our era of rapid digital transformation, professional printers are called upon to innovate, uphold quality and maintain ethical standards while adapting to new technologies and sustainability demands.

“The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation recognises the vital role of professional bodies such as your institute in promoting best practices, capacity building and national orientation.

“We expect this council to strengthen professional regulation, encourage skills development, protect intellectual property and position the Nigerian printing industry to compete favourably at both regional and global levels. As you assume office, I urge you to lead inclusiveness and accountability and foster collaboration with government, the private sector and educational institutions to drive growth and innovation within the industry,” Mr Idris said.

Responding, the president and chairman in council of CIPPON, Clement Koko-T, appreciated Mr Idris and members of the council, adding that the two-and-a-half-year legal battle facing the institute is over.

“The institute has a rich history of struggle, and I am committed to building new foundations in addition to the one laid by my predecessor, Dr Nili Adesuye, whom I appreciate,” he said.

“My vision is to make CIPPON a world-class professional body, recognised for excellence in printing and other industries. We will advocate the creation of the Office of the Printer General of the Federation and for the 36 states, including FCT, or the Printers Commission, which will oversee the development of the printing industry.

“It will also ensure that the industry is given the recognition it deserves and placed at the proper scheme of affairs. We will advocate for the inclusion of printing as a creative industry in the scheme of things and also work with universities and regulatory bodies to introduce printing technology or printing management at degree level in Nigerian universities.

“We will organise a summit to discuss the way forward in the printing and allied industry in Nigeria within the first quarter. The summit will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, industry players and regulatory bodies to chart a course for the development of the industry,” Mr Koko-Tee said.

He called on all members of CIPPON to join him on the journey and work together to promote professionalism, innovation and excellence in the printing industry.

Mr Koko-T explained that the current situation in the institute now requires all hands to be on deck to move the institute forward.

He added that the institute needs unity more than ever before.

“We are all aware of what befell us all these years. Unity is the way to go. If anyone is aggrieved for whatever reason, present it to the table, and let’s look for a solution,” he said.

The high point of the event was the administration of the oath of office for the president and members of the Governing Council of CIPPON by Mr Idris. 

(NAN)