By Joy Salami
The Kogi State chapter of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), has inaugurated its new state executives, marking another step in the institute’s expansion and professionalisation within the state.
The event, which represents the second formal transition of power in the chapter’s history, was hailed as a milestone by the outgoing State Coordinator, Maleek Oluwasegun.
He noted that the first set of executives faced significant challenges, including the absence of defined offices and portfolios. However, through consistent efforts, a structured leadership system has now been put in place.
“We started with no office and no clear roles, but today, we have built a system that provides a solid foundation for future leadership. The new executives have a greater advantage, with well-defined offices such as State Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Secretary, and Special Adviser to the President.
“Their role is to expand the institute’s presence and make CIPPON widely recognized in Kogi State, just like other professional bodies such as the engineering institute”, Maleek stated.
Maleek, who also serves as the Chairman of the Association of Professional Printers of Nigeria (ASPON), Kogi State Chapter, urged the new executives to focus on awareness, capacity building, and positioning CIPPON as a leading professional body in the state.
The newly inaugurated State Coordinator, Elukpo Jones, expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him and pledged to serve diligently, uphold the values and responsibilities of this office.
Jones emphasised the importance of teamwork, calling on members to collaborate for the institute’s growth.
“Leadership is about collective effort. If I make mistakes, I am open to corrections. Let’s work together to take this great association to greater heights. Today, it is my turn, but tomorrow, it could be yours. So let us all support one another and move CIPPON forward”, he added.
A key highlight of the event was the address by Audu Husseini Ndabako, a representative of the Federal Government Council, who underscored the need for professionalism in the printing industry. He warned against individuals entering the field solely for financial gain without the required expertise.
” It is not everyone that should claim to be a printer the body is for only professionals, whether in graphic arts, printing, or related fields. Only professionals should be recognised as members”.
Moving forward, CIPPON will introduce a certification examination, just like other professional bodies, to ensure that only qualified individuals are admitted,” he said.
Ndabako also announced an initiative to establish Printing Technology as an academic discipline at the Kogi State Polytechnic. He explained that once the program is formalised, graduates will automatically qualify for CIPPON membership, aligning the institute with other recognised professional organizations.
The newly inaugurated CIPPON Kogi State Executive members include: Elukpo Jones, (State Coordinator), Suleiman Musa, (Deputy State Coordinator),Ampitan Abiodun Happy, (Personal Assistant to the President of CIPPON),Ademola Owolabi ( Secretary) and High Chief Ipimisho Shaibu,( State Patron).
The inauguration was attended by industry stakeholders, professional printers, and government representatives, all of whom expressed optimism about the new leadership’s potential to advance the printing profession in Kogi State and beyond.
