In an interview session with the Chief Executive Officer of Everlike Publishers, Kayode Nurudeen Adeyemo, the CEO, shares his inspiring journey from a frustrated author to a pioneering publisher. His story is a testament to resilience and creativity, reflecting how a personal publishing crisis sparked a journey that reshaped his destiny and impacted Nigeria’s literary world .
“My foray into publishing was accidental,” Adeyemo begins, offering a glimpse into his unexpected journey. He describes how persistent issues with a previous publisher’s royalty payments led him to consider self-publishing. “I faced constant delays and disappointments. A friend suggested I take the plunge into publishing my own books. I gave it a try, and it turned out to be the best decision.”
Reflecting on his early days, Adeyemo admits, “Starting out was a mix of excitement and confusion. The competition was fierce, and getting noticed was tough. Learning about the production side—paper choices, design, and printing—was overwhelming. It felt like a steep learning curve, but it was all part of the process.”
Despite the challenges, Adeyemo’s passion shines through. “At Everlike Publishers, we’re driven by values like quality and impact,” he says. “What keeps me going is the joy of writing and publishing new books. Receiving heartfelt feedback from students and teachers, like a call from a woman who was so moved by our book that she prayed for me, is incredibly rewarding.”
Adeyemo also speaks candidly about the industry’s struggles. “The high cost of paper, poor power supply, and piracy are serious problems,” he notes. He calls for more government support to create a better environment for publishers.
Looking to the future, Adeyemo envisions a shift towards digital and AI-enhanced publishing. “We’re moving towards e-books, audiobooks, and even AI-generated content,” he predicts.
Futhermore, Adeyemo urges for stronger government action to support the publishing sector, highlighting the need for better infrastructure and financial backing to ensure the industry’s growth and success.
