I believe the current socio-political strain on households and businesses, though understandable, is temporary, but weathering the storm takes grit. To survive and thrive, we must band together, stay sharply focused, and make strategic sacrifices. Discover actionable strategies for doing exactly that in our two exclusive SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEWS later in this Collector’s edition.
IN THIS 102ND EDITION…
We start with PRINT IMPACT AROUND NIGERIA (on page 10) and PRINT IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD (from page 12), respectively, to inform you of some of the latest developments that happened within the last two months in the print and allied industries both in Nigeria and around the world. Afterwards, our Guest Writer – Ankan Graphics Limited, Business Development Manager Bharat Kumar Kaleeswaran shares expert insights on how cutting-edge machinery, raw materials, automation technologies, and sustainable circular-economy solutions are shaping the future of our industry during his recent visit to two of the industry’s most prominent global trade events this year, WEPACK and CHINAPLAS 2026. Check this out on pages 11, 16, and 17 in a SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE aptly captioned: TECHNOLOGIES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PRINTING, PACKAGING, AND MANUFACTURING.
Talking of the future, LOUPE Americas (formerly Labelexpo Americas) Director, Tasha Ventimiglia, reflects on her 25-year journey in the industry and her bold vision for the future as she shares an insider’s look at how far the industry has come, especially now that the North America’s largest dedicated label and package printing event, is making its highly anticipated return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Chicago, from 15–17 September. Read the inspiring excerpt which forms the next SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE titled: LOUPE AMERICAS: AN INSIDER’S JOURNEY SPANNING 25 YEARS. Flip over to pages 30 and 31 to discover more.
Before the two exclusive SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEWS that will make us to emerge stronger from the current hurdles, check out Markets & Markets analysis of consumer demand in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region fueling multi-figure economic growth—adapted as a SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE—where we explore key sectors poised to accelerate the continuous growth of the flexible packaging market, hence motivating players of a brigther future. Turn to pages 32 and 33 for the inspiring piece captioned: THE GROWING FLEXIBLE PACKAGING MARKET.
Our premier SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW—titled: WE MUST WAKE UP, UNITE WITH ONE VOICE, AND DEMAND LEGISLATIVE BACKING TO PROTECT OUR LIVELIHOODS—highlights Princess ‘Layo Bakare-Okeowo, visionary Founder of FAE Group of Companies and leader at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). In this candid conversation, she addresses the local manufacturing sector, unified solutions for the paper industry crisis, and her journey as a female leader. She also reflects on her gender inclusion advocacy and her instrumental role in the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) Ruby Anniversary. Read the excerpt on pages 18 through 21.
Our second exclusive SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW spotlights Engineer Olakunle Ogunjobi, Technical Director at Randomsoft Limited. Known for his refreshingly honest approach to tech investment in a shifting socio-economic landscape, he shares insights that anchor one of this edition’s core captions: “THE FUTURE BELONGS TO BUSINESSES THAT SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY, OPERATIONAL DISCIPLINE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE.” Turn to pages 34, 36, 38, and 40 to discover why the best tech investments are built on strategic value rather than simply following trends or surface-level appeal.
Want to turn your print embellishments into a thriving profit center? In this edition’s COVER STORY titled: CRAFTING A WINNING BUSINESS PLAN FOR PRINT EMBELLISHMENTS, Print Embellishments Expert and Taktiful boss Kevin Abergel breaks down why buying new equipment isn’t enough. He shares exactly how to build a comprehensive, strategic plan to ensure a strong return on your investment. Find out how on pages 26 to 29.
On a final note, I stand on my belief that today’s upheaval is simply a temporary phase. So, stay intentional about your choices and continue doing good—these principles separate success from mediocrity. Until the next edition, keep pushing forward, building meaningful relationships, and creating lasting impact. Most importantly, take care of yourself along the way!
