The Nigerian Copyright Commission has recognised Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as the commission’s first Copyright Change Champion.
The NCC Director-General, Dr John Asein, made the declaration at the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday.
The day is set aside by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation to focus on books, celebrate authors, promote reading and raise copyright awareness.
The DG said the theme for this year, “Read Your Way,” underscores the transformative power of reading to shape character, stimulate the mind and empower individuals to realise their potential.
Earlier in her opening remarks, NCC, Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs Oluropo Oke, said the day aimed at celebrating authors, reading and encouraging equal access to knowledge and raising copyright awareness.
Today, children will be going home with different story books in line with the NCC’s affirmative slogan, “Read My Way” to adopt measures to make reading fun for all, among others. This is not a one-off programme; we will extend this to other schools and ensure proper follow-up with copyright school clubs, reading and essay competitions,” she said.
The event also featured lectures and presentations from book enthusiasts, scholars, students with disabilities, authors, and other stakeholders.
