“Self Censorship, a threat to Freedom to Publish in Nigeria" says Uche Anioke.

Chief Uchenna Cyril Anioke , Ph.D, President Nigerian Publishers Association and recently elected Executive Committee Member of the International Publishers Association based in Geneva, Switzerland has made a robust request to developed nations in the book ecosystem to urgently integrate African Publishers in the inclusive and accessible publishing programs.

 Anioke make the comments in Frankfurt, Germany at the on going Frankfurt Book Fair. 

 He also stated that self censorship remains one of the   biggest threats to publishing in Nigeria.

 Drawing copious examples from the murder of Dele Giwa, Engr Victor Nwankwo and the infamous social Media/ hate speech bill, Dr Anioke informed the international audience that, freedom to publish is at all time low as investigative writers and authors have embarked on self censorship. 

Anioke  also stated that the fear of the unknown  coupled with relatives and families' admonition  that being alive  was more important than demonstrating bravery through writing and publishing, remains an important aspect of family values.

While contributing to the programme, Spotlight On Africa, Dr Anioke stated that it was important that those in the IDP camps, dislocated families in security breached areas of North West, North Central and South East Nigeria are considered in areas of inclusive and accessible publishing initiatives. 

He further opined that given the population explosion being witnessed in Africa, in addition to hunger ravaging the continent, it is in the interest of the developed nations to support Africa in strengthening her educational and publishing skills and capabilities. 

Details of Anioke's other erudite contributions to many seminars and discussions currently on going at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany will be brought to our readers in subsequent bulletins.