The Nigerian Publishers Association has commenced the construction of an ultra-modern six-storey building at its permanent site in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The sod-turning ceremony for the gigantic project, which drew members of the association from across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, marks a major milestone in the history of the over 60-year-old Nigerian Publishers Association.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, the NPA President, Lukman Dauda, stated that the project would not only boost productivity but also positively impact the relevance of the association in the knowledge industry.
He expressed optimism that the six-storey building project would be completed in record time
“We’re here to commemorate the beginning of our ultra-modern office complex here in Ibadan. This is a very symbolic ceremony we have just concluded. We are very much convinced; we have started it and, by God’s grace, we are going to achieve it,” Dauda said.
The association’s president disclosed that past administrations proposed the idea for the project eight years ago but were unable to accomplish the plan.
“Past administrations have been looking forward to something like this, but you cannot build on nothing. First of all, you need to have a plot of land, so we secured this land about eight years ago during the tenure of one of my predecessors.
“As you can see, we started the project almost immediately, and excavation had taken place. But when we realised that what we had in the purse could not take us anywhere, we had to stop the excavation,” Dauda said.
According to him, it was during the same period that the idea for the small edifice currently standing on the association’s permanent site came up, which, he said, facilitated the transition from tenancy to ownership, adding that all the available resources were invested in completing it.
“We were able to achieve that about two years ago, but that did not suggest that we had lost sight of the main building,” Dauda said.
Dauda disclosed that the proposal for the multi-storey office complex received the endorsement of members during the last annual general conference in December, when N1bn was launched for its take-off.
“During our last annual general conference in December, we launched a N1bn office complex fund. The donations were quite generous, and we resolved to start with something.”
Explaining possible avenues for funding the project, Dauda said although the project is gigantic, it is achievable.
“We believe it’s achievable. Remember, the membership of this association is not individual-based; it is firm-based, and we have over 200 members on our list,” he said.
“We just need to encourage them to donate generously even before we seek external support. Definitely, we have partners and supporters that deal with us who will equally be willing to support us.
“So, we are not afraid at all about funding the project. By God’s grace, it is going to be very seamless,” Dauda added.
The NPA president, however, did not disclose the financial implications of the project, citing the fluctuating prices of building materials and other items.
“You know it is very difficult to estimate anything, especially with the fluctuating prices of building materials and other materials in the country now.
“But I believe we can start with the N1bn, and we will definitely achieve something very fantastic,” Dauda said.
Earlier in his address, Dauda commended the commitment of members to the actualisation of the lofty dream.
“Today marks a historic and memorable milestone in the life of our association as we gather here for the foundation-laying ceremony of our ultra-modern office complex.
Punch / Tunmise Adesanmi
