Education
…says books are veritable tools for transporting ideas between generations, cultures and civilisations
…dedicates this year’s World Book and Copyright Day to Professor Wole Soyinka
By Anthony Isibor
AS parts of the events to celebrate this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has announced plans to launch its year-long intervention programme to promote reading for pleasure and build respect for copyright through the ABC Action Plan.
According to the statement by John O. Asein, Director-General, of the commission, the ABC Action Plan encompasses the following; (1) A: Adopt measures to make reading more fun for all; (2) B: Bring books closer to more children; and (3) C: Choose change champions for books and copyright
With the theme for this year being “Read Your Way” the commission notes the transformative power of reading to shape character, stimulate the mind and empower the individual to realize his or her potential.
The NCC also explained that through reading, a person can overcome limitations of time and space, reach for knowledge and gain insight for quality life.
It said that part of its plans to bring books closer to children, it would make copies of Soyinka’s books and other frontline titles available to 90 public schools and use the opportunity to establish more Copyright and Creativity Clubs in those schools to promote respect for copyright, while calling on authors, publishers, book clubs and corporate Nigeria to engage in more book-related activities as part of their corporate social responsibility.
It noted that the book – in whatever form, physical or electronic – remains a veritable vehicle for transporting ideas between generations, cultures and civilizations.
“It brings together the interests of authors, publishers, printers, booksellers, librarians, readers, and society. Authors and their books, mirror society and tell our story. But the real joy of a book is in its reading and this year’s theme reaffirms the need to allow people to read in the way they choose and wherever they are.
“This means making more books available in accessible formats for persons living with disabilities, especially blind and visually impaired persons. It also points to the need to publish more books in indigenous languages and take advantage of modern technology to reach more readers on digital platforms,” it said.
It also revealed that this year’s celebration will be dedicated to Professor Wole Soyinka, who will turn 90 on 13th July.
“The Commission is pleased to dedicate this year’s World Book and Copyright Day to him and will feature his works as part of the celebrations across the country. He is unarguably the tallest living iroko in Nigeria’s rich literary forest and an advocate for books, reading and copyright.
“By this recognition, he becomes our first Copyright Change Champion. 2 Beyond a befitting celebration of the literary icon on his 90th Birthday, the Commission is calling on stakeholders in the book industry to recognise July 13 as Nigeria’s National Reading Day to encourage Nigerians to read for pleasure and draw attention to some of the values that he has advanced in the literary world.
It commended those who are participating in the ongoing Soyinka Reading Challenge and other online activities to highlight the fun in reading and condemned the perpetrators involved in book piracy.
“I must also appreciate those that have shown interest in the year-long intervention programmes such as book donations, reading events for children and persons with special needs, school reading competitions and copyright awareness programmes.
“With the recent interception at Onne Port of three (3) freight container of loaded with pirated books worth about N300 million belonging to Nigerian copyright owners, we see the enormous threat of piracy to the publishing industry and the wellbeing of the nation’s creative economy.
“The Commission will continue to hold publishers, printers, book importers, booksellers, school proprietors, and librarians to the highest standard. I use this opportunity to congratulate young Nigerians who, in the last few months, have attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest reading aloud,” the statement added.
A.
-April 23, 2024 @ 15:46 GMT|
Tags: Anthony Isibor Professor Wole Soyinka World Book and Copyright Day
