The Director General of Nigerian Copyright Commission(NCC), Dr. John O Asein has urged other government agencies and stakeholders in the book industry to work in synergy with the agency to putlie to the old stereotype that the best place to hide something from black people is in a book!
Asein made the call at the occasion of the World Book and Copyright Day at the weekend. He said that NCC as the agency of government responsible for the promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright, recognizes the importance of reading as the bedrock of creativity.
He said that the theme of this year celebration “Read…so you never feel alone,’ highlights the relevance of reading as an aspect of life that has social bearing on the individual and society.
Books, according to him, like vehicles of ideas in the creative space, have been man’s endearing companion and a window to the world of knowledge, helping the mind to manage stress and expand horizons. As our own Wole Soyinka once put it, reading “enriches [everyone] as a human being” and enlarges our horizon on humanity.
He said the theme for this year, therefore, underscores the importance of books to the acquisition of knowledge and as catalysts for national development, he said and added that with other agencies and stakeholders in the book and knowledge industry, we must put a lie to the old stereotype that the best place to hide something from black people is in a book!
“To this end, the Commission will be doing more to promote the culture of reading as a pastime for entertainment, enlightenment and education.
“As we strive to protect copyright, we should also be committed to the sustainable use of copyright products, such as books to promote the values and aspirations of society.
“In promoting respect for copyright, we must also strive to maintain a congenial atmosphere for creative enterprises to flourish.
The Director General said the Commission is reviving Copyright and Creativity Clubs in schools to, amongst other things, promote reading and respect for creativity.
“Also, in the spirit of the Marrakesh Treaty and the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, the Commission is also championing the campaign to allow more blind children have access to books and learning materials.
“We call on publishers to embrace this initiative and make more books born accessible for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled. The new Copyright Bill that was recently passed by the Senate makes provision for the domestication of the treaty.
This further shows the Federal Government’s commitment to its policy of inclusiveness, equal access and non-discrimination against persons living with disabilities.
As we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, and I enjoined Nigerians to embrace reading, support the creative industry and show more respect for copyright as a veritable tool for wealth creation and sustainable national development.