The President, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Hon. Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D., on Saturday at the occasion of the celebration of this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, urged Nigerians to imbibe a robust reading culture, stressing that books are the bedrock of education as well as the storehouse of the human experience.
Hon. Anioke, who made the call while delivering an address to the press at Solid 100.9 FM Conference Hall, GRA Enugu, explained that World Book and Copyright Day is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and that it is celebrated on April 23rd every year all over the world. The objective is to promote the enjoyment of books and reading, publishing and the protection of copyright.
The theme for the World Book and Copyright Day 2022 is “Read… So you never feel alone.” However, this year’s theme lays emphasis on reaching children especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Parts of the address read as follows:
“As we celebrate the World Book and Copyright Day, we urge all to pick up a book and read because according to Walt Disney, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” …
“The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), is poised to making this year’s book day celebration a memorable one. As the National President of NPA, I urge all hands to be on deck to propagate our message for a robust reading culture in which the book is accorded its rightful place of importance in our lives.”
Hon. Anioke used the occasion to appreciate the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) under the able leadership of Dr. John Asein.
Hon. Anioke concluded by charging Nigerians not only to read but also to share.
In his words:
“As we pick up a book to read in celebration of this year’s World Book and Copyright Day today, let us remember the youngsters, especially the underprivileged ones among us, and offer them something to read too as sure means of human empowerment.”
Present at the press conference with many journalists in attendance include Dr. Sir. Jesse Odu, Governing Board Member NCC/ Executive Council Member NPA; Mrs. Rachael Ify Neboh, Deputy Director/Head National Library of Nigeria, Enugu State Branch; Mrs. Ngozi Cecilia Okeke, Director, Enugu Directorate Office of NCC, and other important dignitaries from the book sector who joined the event via online.
