End Of An Era: Publishing Titan Joop Berkhout Passes Away At 94

Chief Joop Berkhout, a naturalised Nigerian and distinguished publisher, has passed away at 94 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Born in Amsterdam on March 31, 1930, he was a traditional titleholder, the Okunborode of Ile-Ife, and a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

A pioneer in Nigeria’s publishing industry, Berkhout was the founding Managing Director of Evans Brothers in 1967 before establishing Spectrum Books in 1978 and Safari Books in 1991.

He trained many leading publishers and significantly contributed to Nigeria’s educational sector. He also served as the Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State.

Tributes have poured in, with renowned writer Professor Okey Ndibe describing him as a “consequential player in Nigeria’s domestic publishing scene,” recalling how Spectrum Publishers introduced readers to groundbreaking literary and academic works in the social sciences and humanities.

Celebrated author and photographer Dayo Adedayo reminisced about Berkhout’s relentless dedication to books, even in his later years: “At 90, Baba was still working, thinking, and selling books like no one else could. His passion for the written word was unparalleled. He wasn’t just a publisher—he believed in stories, in history, in the power of documentation.”

According to Adedayo, Berkhout’s deep knowledge of Nigerian history was extraordinary. “He carried the knowledge of generations—a walking encyclopedia of Nigeria’s past and present. If you needed a lesson in contemporary Nigerian history, you didn’t need to look further than him.”

According to newswings.com.ng, his final moments reflected his characteristic dignity and devotion. He had breakfast, called for his pastor to pray for him, and then quietly departed.

Joop Berkhout leaves behind an enduring legacy in publishing, education, and Nigerian history. His impact will be felt for generations, as the books and knowledge he championed continue to shape minds.