Newspapers’ many troubles: Where is NPAN? (1)_

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By Abiola Ayankunbi

Newspapers’ Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), is a forum where all the proprietors of newspapers companies in Nigeria, meet regularly to discuss the welfare of the industry.

NPAN is a private, voluntary, not-for-profit, not-for-loss, non-governmental organization based in Lagos and with members in nearly all the 36 states (and Abuja) of Nigeria.

NPAN was founded on the 16th of December 1962 at the office of the West African Pilot, Yaba, Lagos State. The foundation members were African Challenge, Daily Express, Daily Times, Drum Magazines, Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Magazines, Morning Post and West African Pilot.
By that same December 1962, membership had risen to 12 organizations with 21 publications.

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Membership was on a corporate basis. As at 2010, it had about 50 corporate organizations with more than 80 titles but the present number could not be ascertained.

The objectives of the NPAN are eleven but the principal one is to promote the interests of the newspapers  and those connected with the publication of news, newspapers, magazines or periodicals and to represent, express and give effect to opinion of  members of  NPAN on all questions, which affect the interest of newspapers or magazines published in Nigeria.

The strength of the NPAN is the dynamic, experience and resourceful proprietors who form a think-tank for the NPAN. These are eminent Nigerians with proven track records, capabilities in their various fields of endeavour especially the media. The organs of the NPAN include board of trustees, executive council, the secretariat and committees. The registered board of trustees has five members namely Mallam Ismaila Isa, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, Mr. Ray Ekpu and Dr (Mrs) Doyin Abiola.

npan member newspapers

However, NPAN has been keeping silent lately on major issues that are affecting the print media industry. I doubt if the members are holding meetings regularly to discuss their interests. Right from inception, newspapers’ agents are expected to obtain NPAN Certificate before they can sell members’ publications but the reverse is the case presently. This is a source of income to the body, which has been jetitioned. Nothing so much is being heard from the body these days. The secretariat at Maryland, Lagos State can be better than its present look.

.To be continued tomorrow 

Ayankunbi is MD/CEO, AbingMO3 Marketing Management Consultancy
08023051315
[email protected]

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