The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is advocating for July 13, the birthday of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, to be designated as Nigeria’s National Reading Day.The Director-General of NCC, Dr. John Asein, made this proposal during the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day celebration in Ibadan.
Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, has also been appointed as the Copyright Change Champion by the commission.
The theme for the year, “Read Your Way,” emphasizes the importance of reading in shaping character, stimulating the mind, and empowering individuals.
To support the theme, NCC is launching various programs throughout the year to encourage reading for pleasure and promote respect for copyright.
These initiatives are part of the ABC Action Plan, aimed at making reading more enjoyable and accessible to all.
As part of the celebration of Soyinka’s 90th birthday, his works were also featured by the NCC across the country.
Dr. Asein announced that the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day would be dedicated to Soyinka to recognize his immense contribution to literature in the country.
The commission also aims to urge key players in the publishing sector to recognize July 13 as Nigeria’s National Reading Day.
In a bid to promote reading among children, the NCC plans to provide copies of Soyinka’s books to 90 public schools and establish more Copyright and Creativity Clubs.
The World Book and Copyright Day held at Ibadan, featured talks and discussions by book lovers, academics, and writers, to discuss the importance of celebrating authors and advocating for equal access to knowledge.
