Copyright commission dedicates World Book Day to Soyinka

• Launches programme to promote reading

Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) has dedicated this year’s edition of World Book and Copyright Day to Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, for his dedication to the promotion of reading culture and the protection of copyright.

Director General of NCC, Dr John Asein, in his message on the occasion of the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day, said Soyinka, who was also the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador,  and would turn 90 by July 13, was, 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,” Asein said, adding that as part of this year’s celebration, the Commission was launching its year-long intervention programmes to promote reading for pleasure and build respect for copyright through its ABC Action Plan.

According to him, ‘A’ stands for Adopt measures to make reading more fun for all; ‘B’ stands for Bring books closer to more children; while ‘C’ stands for Choose change champions for books and copyright.

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognises April 23 every year as World Book and Copyright Day, to focus on books, celebrate authors, promote reading, encourage non-discriminatory access to knowledge and raise copyright awareness. The theme for this year is: “Read Your Way.”

Asein said this year’s theme underscored the transformative power of reading to shape character, stimulate the mind and empower the individual to realise his or her potential.

“Through reading, we overcome limitations of time and space, reach for knowledge and gain insight for quality life,” he said. “The 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, 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.”

He called on stakeholders in the book industry to recognise July 13, Soyinka’s birthday, 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.