By Elizabeth Osayande, LAGOS

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s literary and publishing landscape, the Better Life for Authors and Publishers Association of Nigeria, BLAPAN inaugurated its first national executive council members on Thursday during a well-attended ceremony at Moakland Plaza, Ikeja.

Evolving from the Nigerian Council of Authors Against Piracy. NCAP, BLAPAN was officially registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC on December 5, 2024, after more than three years of dedicated restructuring and advocacy efforts.

The newly elected president, Hon. Feyi Abiodun, led the inauguration, emphasising his commitment to uniting the association and advocating for the protection of intellectual property rights. “The bitter experiences authors and publishers have endured at the hands of pirates will no longer be our silent reality,” Hon. Abiodun stated. “We will engage relevant government agencies, particularly in Lagos State, to secure protection for our works and welfare for our members.”

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Olatunde Shakiru Giwa, In his address, Barrister Giwa urged the new executives to remain focused and collaborative. “What you’ve done today may appear small, but if you stay committed, you’ll build an association that will be recognized nationwide and even internationally,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of their mission.

Despite heavy rainfall, the ceremony attracted a diverse audience, including authors, publishers, supporters of the association, and distinguished guests from the creative sector. The atmosphere was one of hope and resilience as attendees celebrated this new chapter for authors and publishers in Nigeria.

Other council members expressed their gratitude and determination to work together for the betterment of the country’s publishing industry. As BLAPAN embarks on its new journey, stakeholders in the sector are optimistic that the association will provide the much-needed structural support for authors and publishers across Nigeria.