AGP Executive Report

Nigeria Books & Politics: President Bola Tinubu used Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday book launch in Abuja to praise the former head of state for choosing “honour and integrity” over clinging to power, while also saying Abubakar advises him privately and avoids public criticism of sitting presidents; Publishing & Public Life: the event featured the presentation of three Abubakar titles, including an autobiography, with Tinubu directing the FCT to allocate land for an Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre; South Africa Transport Tech: the Road Traffic Management Corporation plans to scrap physical vehicle licence discs and move to number-plate scanning to curb fraud linked to fake discs and compromised licensing centres; Kenya Education & Wellbeing: Kenya Wildlife Service launched “Wild Scholars,” bringing students into parks and sanctuaries for hands-on learning and mental wellness amid unrest and indiscipline concerns; Cameroon School Exams: Cameroon postponed GCE exams after leaked papers circulated online, with officials blaming internal failures and corruption rather than external sabotage.

DR Congo World Cup welcome: The DRC squad arrived in Houston in tuxedo suits and leopard-print sashes, with a long-awaited, wholesome send-off after Ebola-related hurdles and US isolation rules. World Cup fan culture: Scotland’s Inverness fanzone turned the Haiti opener into a singalong spectacle, while coverage also highlights how host-nation TV and streaming are driving record viewership. Nigeria books & leadership legacy: In Abuja, President Tinubu and other leaders celebrated Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday with the launch of three books, including a directive to allocate land for an Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre. Literature & migration in Zimbabwe: Zimbabwean authors Rumbidzai Chenai Dunduru and Elliot Chatima unveiled novels exploring diaspora, identity, and belonging. Publishing community: GOCOP mourned NextEdition publisher Victoria Ibanga after her husband’s death, underscoring ongoing support networks in African publishing. Local elections and trust: South Africa’s IEC warned that low public trust and high risk could shape tough local government polls.

Satellite Methane Watch: The IEA says space-based satellite readings are now correcting oil and gas methane reports, with some countries’ figures revised up or down—meaning “the watcher overruled the watched” and Europe access rules may tighten from 2027. Autobiography Spotlight (Nigeria): Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar’s autobiography Call of Duty (Cable Books) claims he was deceived into visiting the Presidential Villa after Abacha’s death and was locked in a room for over an hour before being released. Student Life Costs (Nigeria): A report from Delta State University, Abraka, puts real university expenses beyond fees—rent, food, transport, internet and printing—turning degree study into a daily survival test. Local Publishing & Education (Zimbabwe): SCOPE Zimbabwe validated heritage-based learning resources, including facilitator guides and My Foods, aligning materials with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum. World Cup Culture & Media (DR Congo/Morocco/Brazil): DR Congo arrived in Houston in leopard-inspired suits; Morocco’s coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists they’re no underdogs vs Brazil; and the tournament’s wider spotlight keeps spilling into African stories and creators. Books & Authors (Nigeria/Global): Femi Ojumu unveiled his three-volume The Trinity in Lagos, while Andy Siege launched FRIENDLY BRUTES to challenge stigma around mental illness through art.

Press Freedom Under Pressure (Nigeria): The NUJ condemned the NSCDC arrest of Kogi Report publisher/editor Opeyemi Owoeye in Lokoja, saying security agencies must not be used to settle political scores. Media Regulation Watch (South Africa): Heart FM asked ICASA to amend its radio licence to reduce news obligations and remove requirements around women presenters and training spend—sparking fears of editorial downsizing. Public Health & Safety (Nigeria): A mysterious odour shut schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, sending pupils to hospital after methane-linked concerns. One Health Alarm (Global, Africa-linked): New analysis after the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster warns rodent exposure risk is often missed in agricultural and wildlife farming settings, urging One Health protections. Community Action (Ghana): Let Love Lead NGO held its 4th Annual Sanitation Drive in Nima, mobilising about 3,000 people to clear drains and reduce flood risk. Youth Day Focus (South Africa): Coverage marks 50 years since Soweto 1976, spotlighting young community figures carrying the Youth Day legacy. Pan-African Policy (AU): AU leaders backed the “Correct the Map of Africa” initiative, pushing for accurate geographic projections at the UN. World Cup Spotlight (Morocco/Brazil): Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says the Atlas Lions are no longer underdogs ahead of Brazil’s opener, with Hakimi ready to limit Vinícius. Books & Publishing Angle (Africa): Afreximbank extends the Africa Publishing Prize to the Caribbean diaspora, widening the reach of African publishing talent.

Textbook Policy Shock (Nigeria): The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) says the federal government’s proposed textbook ranking policy could “commercialise access,” warning that transparency is lacking and that assessment fees have jumped 300% (from N500 to N2,000 per page) plus an extra N1m per subject—fearing higher costs and scarcity for learners. Publishing & Education Costs: The NPA urges the Ministry of Education to clarify intentions, arguing the policy could disrupt competition and affordability. Civic Protest & Media Attention (Nigeria): Omoyele Sowore condemns police “strange gas” used at close range during Democracy Day protests in Abuja, framing it as state-backed repression—an issue that will likely keep driving public debate and coverage. Cultural Exchange (Egypt–China): Egyptian sinologist Mohsen Fergani, marking 70 years of Egypt-China ties, calls for deeper cultural exchange through translation and shared intellectual heritage. Books & Culture (Review): A new book, Monumental by Simon Warrack, uses a stonemason’s wartime experiences to spotlight conflict’s human cost.

Publishing Policy Watch: Nigeria’s Publishers Association has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to revisit its proposed textbook ranking policy, warning that the plan needs wider stakeholder consultation and more transparency before it reshapes how schools choose learning materials. World Cup Culture & Media: Mexico kicked off FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, in a match marked by three straight red cards and a high-profile opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy—another reminder of how sport, music, and global audiences are colliding. Energy & Livelihoods: A South Africa-focused analysis argues the Iran-linked diesel shock hits harder than petrol because diesel powers freight, food distribution, mining, agriculture and backup generators, feeding into broader costs and inflation. Human Rights Spotlight: Malawi’s people with albinism face deep discrimination and fear tied to harmful myths, while World Day Against Child Labour (June 12) calls for “fair play” so children stay in classrooms and adults get decent work. Books & Fairs: Beijing International Book Fair names the UAE guest of honor, signaling fresh cross-regional publishing dialogue.

Publishing & Media Governance: Nigeria’s NDSF 2026 in Lagos urged stronger multistakeholder collaboration to sustain the WSIS vision, with a focus on digital infrastructure, inclusion and responsible governance. Trust & Credibility: Kenya’s State of the Media survey finds social media is now the top news source, but trust still skews toward traditional broadcasters—highlighting a widening credibility gap. Academic Publishing Impact: University World News says it has been cited in 4,325 academic publications and 295 policy documents over 18 years, positioning it as a long-term reference for higher-education research. Copyright Education: A new children’s/young-adult book, What is Copyright? Our Song, aims to teach music rights early through storytelling and role-play. Ethiopia Food Security Skills: CIMMYT and Ambo University trained researchers in applied research and statistical modelling using R to turn agricultural data into publishable, policy-ready evidence. South Africa Industry & Print Pressure: Stats SA reports April manufacturing output down 2.9% y/y, with wood, paper, publishing and printing among the biggest drags. Digital Lending Transparency: Nigerians question ownership of firms in a reported N400bn airtime lending market as regulators push back on viral claims. World Cup as Cultural Content: South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala is back in the spotlight with a children’s book, Super Shabba – The African Superhero, after his 2010 goal legacy.

Award Season for Media & Publishing: W5/CTV News won the CJF Dr. Eric Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism, while Edmonton’s Taproot Publishing picked up a CJF excellence honour for its election project—another reminder that strong reporting and community-focused coverage still matter. Constitutional Print Push (Nigeria): Nigeria’s House of Representatives released the final print of the Constitution Alteration Bills ahead of plenary voting, including reforms spanning electoral rules, judiciary, security/policing, local government and fiscal changes. Children’s Books in the Spotlight (Nigeria): Lagos hosted the Akada Children’s Book Festival, themed “Big Dreams, Bold Stories,” with tents for Nigerian-authored picture books, language learning and literacy games—aimed at reviving reading in a digital age. Disaster Law (Kenya): Kenya enacted the National Disaster Risk Management Act, 2026, creating a permanent authority to coordinate preparedness, early warning and recovery. World Cup Culture & Data: FIFA’s 48-team tournament kicks off with major attention on opening ceremonies and a fresh wave of controversy, including a reported Argentina squad data leak.

World Cup 2026: FIFA’s expanded tournament kicks off June 11 with 48 teams and 104 matches, plus three separate opening ceremonies—Mexico City (June 11, Estadio Azteca), Toronto (June 12, BMO Field) and Los Angeles (June 12, SoFi Stadium)—as hosts stage their own celebrations. Publishing & language: South Africa’s iPendoring Awards open for entries, spotlighting indigenous-language book covers and layouts (print or digital, including ebooks) with a 70% language requirement. Zimbabwe creative economy: Stakeholders validate a draft study on how Zimbabwe’s cultural and creative industries contribute to GDP, jobs and informal sector dynamics; book publishing and TV broadcasting are flagged as leading sub-sectors. Press freedom in Ivory Coast: Journalists warn of government moves to control the National Union of Ivorian Journalists, citing interference and penalties against opposition media. Children’s health books: Dr Karen Singh’s “Mama’s Garden of Hope” uses gentle metaphors to help children understand cancer treatment and feel included.

Kenya School Safety: A pre-dawn fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil killed 16 and injured 79, adding to a boarding-school arson wave; the government says it has disbanded the school board and issued new dormitory, CCTV, and safety directives. South Africa Migration & Media Narrative: Ramaphosa’s hardline immigration crackdown is framed as restoring control, but commentators warn numbers are being used to stoke fear and misinformation. South Africa Smart ID Access: As green ID books are phased out, elderly and bedridden citizens face biometric hurdles; Home Affairs is urging mobile support while civil society pushes for clearer rules. Nigeria Politics & Defamation: Peter Obi sues Kenneth Okonkwo for alleged defamatory claims tied to NDC aspirants and bribe allegations, demanding withdrawal and apology. Publishing/Bookselling Support: Leadway’s “Pages to Places” expands in Nigeria with book donations and mobile libraries to boost literacy. Books & Culture: A memoir on Antony Sher’s final Shakespeare journey, plus new South African fiction and classics-for-everyone reading picks, highlight ongoing literary conversation. Health & Books: “Beyond Dangerous Limits” spotlights galamsey-linked environmental exposures and chronic health risks across Africa.

Cultural Visibility Boost: Nigeria’s Ojude Oba 2026 is turning into a media brand, with a new P+ Measurement Services report showing 56% more mentions year-on-year (18,420 to 28,735), 75% higher global reach (124.8m to 218.6m), and social driving 81,000 conversations (+88%) plus 8.4m engagements (+115%). Publishing & Media Partnerships: Zenith Bank and NLNG reaffirm support for Realnews Magazine during courtesy visits, with condolences also extended to publisher Maureen Chigbo after her sister’s killing. Children’s Books & Careers: Courtney Kelly’s “Celeste Paves the Way” (aviation/engineering) is available worldwide ahead of its June 30 release, while Karyn Parsons’ Sweet Blackberry continues pushing Black achievement stories for young readers. South Africa Economy Watch: Stats SA reports GDP growth of 0.5% in Q1 2026, with finance and agriculture supporting gains as manufacturing still lags. Education Scholarships: Three Ghanaian women supported by Camfed and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program are set to complete MPhil Education degrees at Cambridge.

Identity & Access: South Africa’s move to phase out green ID books raises a hard question for elderly and bedridden citizens: how will Smart ID enrolment work when Home Affairs offices are out of reach, with the department pointing to mobile/home visits and expanded access channels. Trade Protection: Mondi seeks antidumping tariffs to shield South Africa’s office paper market from cheap imports, with Sappi backing its case after an Itac preliminary probe. Energy Risk: Business leaders warn South Africa is heading toward a gas “cliff” as Mozambique’s Pande-Temane supply is set to run down by 2028, leaving a widening gap before new sources come online. Publishing & Prizes: Afreximbank expands its USD 20,000 CANEX publishing prize beyond Africa to the Caribbean and parts of Latin America, with winners announced in Lagos in November. Cross-border Trade: Tanzania and Burundi urged to publish a clear list of commonly traded goods under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime to help small traders, especially women and youth. Security & Media: Nigeria’s Senate fast-tracks state police while a media-security expert warns journalists against sensational coverage that could undermine operations and cohesion. Kidnapping Claims: Oyo school principals again deny kidnappers demanded Sharia law or ₦1bn ransom, urging negotiations and caution over rumours.

Publishing & Culture: A new BLUE LOCK anime season has been officially titled “BLUE LOCK: Neo Egoist League”, with staff and character visuals released for Yoichi Isagi and Michael Kaiser, and the series set to adapt the “Shin Eiyū Taisen” story. Ghana Sports & Media Literacy: A Ghanaian opinion piece warns against AI-made “history” circulating on WhatsApp, using the viral “Barefoot Kings” claim as an example of how manufactured nostalgia can drown real football history. Ghana Free Speech: Ghana’s arrests of critics over false news and offensive speech are framed as a stress test for democracy under the Mahama administration, with figures cited by the Media Foundation for West Africa. South Africa Transport: The EFF demands accountability over Rea Vaya bus workers allegedly going unpaid, linking service disruption to governance failures. South Africa Immigration: Parties react to Ramaphosa’s crackdown plan, with ActionSA saying it recycles old policies while enforcement capacity remains the real gap. Books & Memoirs: Cape Town survivor Quinton Taylor’s memoir “I Don’t Want to Die” is out in ebook and paperback, while Ruth K. Clemens’ “A Quest for Purpose” (Lucid Books) spotlights childhood in Congo and later work with asylum seekers. Africa Health: The East African Community pushes a coordinated Ebola response for Congo’s Ituri, but funding shortfalls and who pays remain unresolved. Music Industry: British-Nigerian songwriter Talay Riley dies at 35 after a stabbing in East London; police investigations continue.

Immigration Crackdown (South Africa): President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tougher measures to curb illegal migration, including intensified deportations, dedicated immigration courts, and a biometric register for everyone in the country, while warning against vigilante enforcement. Workplace Enforcement: The government will also jail employers who hire undocumented migrants, with stronger inspections and penalties tied to immigration and labour law breaches. Public Services Pressure: Ramaphosa said illegal immigration worsens burdens on healthcare and education and overlaps with organised crime routes, as anti-foreigner protests and a June 30 “shutdown” deadline heighten tensions. Publishing & Culture (Morocco): A profile revisits Bill Willis’s role in translating Morocco’s architectural language for modern audiences, highlighting how books and design shape cultural memory. Children’s Books (Eastern Cape): In Zithulele, volunteers created four original multilingual children’s books in a day, showing how rapid, community-led publishing can boost local literacy. Digital/Policy (Nigeria): Nigeria’s EITI validation extension request was rejected, keeping the July 1 timeline in place.

Publishing Policy: Nigeria’s NERDC has set a June 19 deadline for publishers and authors to submit textbooks for a new 2026 assessment and ranking process, with previously approved titles required to be resubmitted under updated standards. Digital Publishing & Authorship: Zimbabwean publishers are still wary of “digital-first” authors, reflecting ongoing trust gaps as distribution and legitimacy shift online. Sports & Publishing Culture: Morocco police arrested a man in Oujda over online posts allegedly inciting sports violence, a reminder that digital content moderation is becoming part of the broader media ecosystem. Security & Education: Rainstorms damaged female hostels at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, displacing over 20 students, while Nigeria’s wider insecurity continues to disrupt schooling. Climate & Corporate Books: BAT Nigeria marked World Environment Day with a push on climate action, including a shift from diesel to CNG and solar installation—useful context for how corporate sustainability narratives are being documented and published.

Security & Governance: Nigeria’s Senate rejected a second motion to probe military spending, despite rising insecurity and defence budget concerns, leaving critics asking why oversight isn’t matching the scale of kidnappings and attacks. Education Under Attack: In Oyo State, abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity after school raids; reports say kidnappers have issued demands including the release of detained terror-linked figures, ransom, vehicles and Sharia-related conditions. Publishing & AI: New York Times publisher A. G. Sulzberger warned AI firms are “strip-mining” journalism, threatening the economics of news; he says the paper has spent millions on lawsuits over AI use of copyrighted reporting. Health Research: Ethiopian schoolchildren show measurable gut microbiome differences tied to food insecurity, pointing to biological impacts beyond nutrition alone. Mining & Royalties: Ghana’s small-scale miners outproduced large-scale operators in 2025, but the industry warns proposed sliding-scale royalties could deter investment. Arts & Culture: South Africa’s Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival returns with a rights-focused theme, while a South African fashion label faces backlash over incorrect flag display.