The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has urged Nigerians to develop the habit of reading books, saying it remains a veritable vehicle for transporting of ideas between generations, cultures, and civilisations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23, a day set aside by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Dr John Asein, NCC Director-General, who gave this advice on Tuesday in Abuja, said the day focused on books, celebration of authors, promote reading, encourage non-discriminatory access to knowledge and raise copyright awareness.
According to him, the theme for this year: “Read Your Way”, underscores the transformative power of reading to shape character, stimulate the mind and empower the individual to realise his or her potentials.
He added that through reading, Nigerians would overcome limitations of time and space, reached for knowledge and gained insight for quality life.
“Book, in whatever form physical or electronic, remains a veritable vehicle for transporting ideas between generations, cultures, and civilisations.
” It brings together the interests of authors, publishers, printers, booksellers, librarians, readers, and society.
“Authors and their books are mirrors to the society that tells our story.
“But the real joy of a book is in its reading and this year’s theme reaffirms the need to allow people read in the way they choose and wherever they are,” he said.
NCC boss further said that they was need to make 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.
“In furtherance of this year’s theme, the NCC is today launching its year long intervention programmes, to promote reading for pleasure
and build respect for copyright through our ‘ABC Action Plan’.
“A- Adopt measures to make reading more fun for all, B-Bring books closer to more children; -Choose change champions for books and copyright,” he added.
He further said that the commission would be pleased to dedicate this year’s WBCD to Nigerian literary icon Prof. Wole Soyinka , who would turn 90 years old on 13th July.
According to him, they will feature the essayist works as part of the celebrations across the country.
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“Our Nobel Laurette in Literature, playwright, essayist, literary icon and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Professor Wole Soyinka will turn 90 on 13th July.
“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’, ” he said.(NAN)
