Lagos, Nigeria – August 27, 2024: The President and Chairman-in-Council of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), Comrade Babajide Salako, delivered a compelling speech at a webinar themed “Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate: Transforming Nigeria’s Printing Industry for a Sustainable Future.” The event, attended by esteemed council members, distinguished guests, and industry professionals, marked a significant moment for the Nigerian printing sector.
Comrade Salako welcomed participants by emphasizing the unique opportunity the webinar presented for collective reflection, idea-sharing, and strategic planning. He underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and unity as the printing industry navigates an evolving landscape marked by technological disruptions, environmental concerns, and global competition.
During his address, Salako highlighted the critical role of the CIPPON Act 24 of 2007, which serves as a robust regulatory framework for advancing the industry. He outlined the Act’s five key pillars: setting standards for professional excellence, promoting ethical practices, fostering innovation and research, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, and ensuring environmental sustainability. According to him, these pillars are essential for the industry’s transformation.
“The printing industry is at a crossroads,” Salako stated. “However, I firmly believe that the challenges we face present opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainability. The CIPPON Act provides us with a solid foundation to regulate and develop our sector effectively.”
Salako also detailed the institute’s strategic priorities, including the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, fostering partnerships, investing in workforce development, prioritizing environmental sustainability, and encouraging entrepreneurship. He emphasized that these initiatives would be crucial in strengthening the regulatory framework, enhancing industry standards, and promoting professional development.
Reflecting on CIPPON’s journey thus far, Salako noted the institute’s efforts to understand the unique challenges faced by businesses across different regions of Nigeria. He called for cooperation among stakeholders, urging them to set aside personal differences to achieve the common goal of industry advancement.
“We have segmented the industry to address specific challenges,” he explained. “For instance, we recognize that the needs of members in the public sector differ from those in commercial sectors. Therefore, we are organizing a Public Sector Conference and Training to support their professional growth.”
In his closing remarks, Salako announced the formation of an advisory group comprising industry Fellows and Captains, who will collaborate with CIPPON to remove barriers to business growth and promote industry unity. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to engage key stakeholders and drive meaningful change within the sector.
“We are focusing on three key segments: state clusters to solve day-to-day challenges, public sector clusters, and the engagement of Fellows and industry Captains in CIPPON’s affairs,” Salako summarized. “Let us work together to elevate our industry, creating a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us innovate, collaborate, and elevate!”
The webinar concluded with a call to action for all industry professionals to join hands in this transformative journey. Comrade Salako expressed confidence that with collective effort, the Nigerian printing industry would achieve unprecedented growth and sustainability.
