- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the demise of Dutch-Nigerian legendary publisher, Chief Joop BerkHout.
The President, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed profound sorrow over the death of Berkhout, a renowned publisher and Dutch national who lived in Nigeria for over 60 years.
Berkhout worked with Evans Publishers before he left in 1978 to establish Spectrum Books, .
The late publisher would establish the Safari Book Limited in 2008 which he was the Chairman till his passing at the age of 94
Tinubu in his condolence message described BerkHout as a naturalized Nigerian, who made Ibadan, Oyo State, his home and dedicated his life to advancing Nigeria’s publishing industry.
The President eulogised Berkhout for his love for Nigeria and considerable contributions to the publishing industry.
“Chief Berkhout lived a remarkable life in Nigeria. He was a doyen of publishing for over 50 years, shaping the industry and inspiring many Nigerian writers.
“He immersed himself in our culture and tradition such that he bagged a chieftaincy title as Okun Borode of Ile-Ife.
“Though he hailed from the Netherlands, his heart belonged wholly to Nigeria.” Tinubu said.
He commiserated with Berkhout’s family members in Nigeria and the Netherlands, as well as the literary community in the country and worldwide while wishing that his soul finds eternal rest.
Also mourning the demise of the publisher was Nasir El-Rufai, who, in a post on his X handle, stated that Nigeria has lost a true friend.
El-Rufai disclosed that the late BerkHout was the publisher of his 2013 book, The Accidental Public Servant.
“OMG!!. Joop genuinely loved Nigeria and Nigerians. May the gentle soul of Chief Joop Berkhout, my friend my publisher, and my host in Ibadan, rest in perfect peace.
“He published #TAPS – The Accidental Public Servant in 2013, and was pressing me to update it to include the APC merger leading to 2015 elections.
“We have all lost a true friend and lover of Nigeria. Please publicize the funeral arrangements so we can plan to attend and pay our final respects to one of the most decent human beings I have come across.” El-Rufai wrote.