The Nigerian literary and publishing world is in mourning following the passing of Chief Joop Berkhout, OON, a towering figure in the industry. Chief Berkhout, who held the traditional title of Okunborode of Ile-Ife, died at the age of 94 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Born in Amsterdam on March 31, 1930, he adopted Nigeria as his home and spent nearly six decades contributing to the nation’s educational and literary landscape.
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Chief Berkhout’s journey in publishing began in 1967 when he became the founding Managing Director of Evans Brothers. His vision and dedication led him to establish Spectrum Books Ltd in 1978, a company that became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s publishing industry. After retiring as Chairman of Spectrum Books in 2008, he continued his passion for publishing by running Safari Books Limited, which he established in 1991.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chief Berkhout was instrumental in promoting Nigerian literature and education. His contributions earned him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and the chieftaincy title Okunborode of Ife in 1992. He mentored numerous publishers who have gone on to make significant impact in the industry.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, highlighting his profound influence and legacy. Professor Okey Ndibe described him as “a big and consequential player in Nigeria’s domestic publishing scene,” while renowned author and photographer Dayo Adedayo remembered him as “a legend in Nigerian publishing, a man of integrity, wisdom, and boundless energy.”
Chief Berkhout’s legacy is not just in the books he published but in the lives he touched and the knowledge he shared. His home in Ibadan was a hub for writers, intellectuals and book lovers, reflecting his gregarious nature and love for literature.
As the family and Safari Books prepare to announce funeral details, the world remembers a man who was not just a publisher but a true advocate for the power of stories and the written word. Chief Joop Berkhout’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations to cherish and advance the literary heritage of Nigeria.
•Featured image courtesy Safari Books and the deceased’s family
