It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Joop Berkhout, a pioneer of Nigeria’s modern publishing industry. Described by author Dayo Adedayo as “a legend in Nigerian publishing, a man of integrity, wisdom, and boundless energy,” Berkhout passed away peacefully at the age of 94.

Berkhout, whose career spanned several decades, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in African publishing and education. His death was confirmed in a statement by his family and Safari Books Limited, which has since been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and associates, such as novelist Okey Ndibe who remembers Berkhout as a “gregarious man who relished the company of writers, intellectuals and book people.”

Born on March 31, 1930 in Amsterdam, Berkhout grew up during the turbulence of World War II. In 1966, he came to Nigeria as a founding Managing Director of Evans Brothers Publishers in what was supposed to be a two-year stay. Berkhout stayed in Nigeria and founded Spectrum Books in 1978, which went on to become critical to the country’s education sector. After retiring from Spectrum’s board in 2008, Berkhout remained active in the industry as chairman of Safari Books Limited.

His impact on Nigerian education earned him the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and in 1992, he was honored with the chieftaincy title “Okun Borode of Ile-Ife.” Despite being born Dutch, Berkhout embraced Africa as his home, living in Tanzania and Nigeria, where three of his children were born. He eventually became a Nigerian citizen, cementing his connection to the continent.

Berkhout was a passionate advocate and a lifelong lover of books–he was rumored to read two books a day. He had a profound impact on shaping the Nigerian publishing industry into what it is today.

Tributes and remembrances have come in from all around Nigeria, including from President Bola Tinubu who shared in a statement,

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. May his soul find eternal rest, and may his family draw strength from his legacy.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at the difficult time.