NCC dedicates World Book, Copyright Day to Wole Soyinka

The Nigeria Copywright Commision (NCC) has dedicated the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day to Prof Wole Soyinka, the literature Noble Laurette
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Soyinka, who is a playwright, essayist, literary icon, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador will be 90 years old on 13 July 2024.

Dr. John Asein, director general of NCC disclosed this in a statement commemorating this year’s World Book and Copyright Day; a day set aside by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to focus on books, celebrate authors, promote reading, encourage non-discriminatory access to knowledge and raise copyright awareness.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Read Your Way.”

Asein, said: “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. With this recognition, he becomes our first Copyright Change Champion.

“Beyond a befitting celebration of the literary icon on his 90th Birthday, the commission is calling on stakeholders in the book industry to recognize 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.”

He also added: “To bring books closer to children, the Commission will, for a start, make copies ofSoyinka’s books and other frontline titles are available to ninety (90) public schools and use the opportunity to establish more Copyright and Creativity Clubs in those schools to promote respect for copyright.”

Stressing the importance of the day, Asein in the statement signed by Funmilayo Adewale, Director of Public Affairs pointed out that Authors and their books, mirror society and tell the story.

Stressing the importance of the day, Asein in the statement signed by Funmilayo Adewale, Director of Public Affairs pointed out that Authors and their books, mirror society and tell the story.

He however added that 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.

He therefore called on authors, publishers, book clubs and corporate Nigeria to engage in more book-related activities as part of their corporate social responsibility.

He added: “I commend those who are participating in the ongoing Soyinka Reading Challenge and other online activities to highlight the fun in reading.

“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.”

Asein also reminded authors of the threats posed by pirates, citing the recent interception of pirated books worth N300 million at Onne Port.

He therefore said the commission will continue to expect the highest standards from all the stakeholders in the book sector.

“With the recent interception at Onne Port of three (3) freight containers 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.”

He also congratulated young Nigerians who, in the last few months, had attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest reading aloud.

He said: “From John Obot in Uyo and Osariemen Angel Asein in Benin to Asonya Wunuji Manasseh whose attempt is ongoing in Wukari. They have read in their own way and remain champions in their own right.”