Tinubu Mourns Dutch-Nigerian Publisher Joop Berkhout

President Bola Tinubu has mourned Chief Joop Berkhout, a renowned publisher and Dutch national who lived in Nigeria for over 60 years.

Berkhout, 94, is a naturalised Nigerian who lived in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Tinubu eulogised him for his love for Nigeria and contributions to the publishing industry.

Berkhout was Managing Director of Evans Brothers, Spectrum Books Limited and Safari Books Limited which he founded and chaired until his death.

Tinubu said, “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.

President Tinubu commiserated with Berkhout’s family members in Nigeria and the Netherlands, as well as the literary community in the country and worldwide.

“May his soul find eternal rest, and may his family draw strength from his legacy,” the president added.

Tinubu Mourns Dutch-Nigerian Publisher Joop Berkhout is first published on The Whistler Newspaper