NCC Commends UNESCO, Authors on World Book Day

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), joins the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), stakeholders in the Copyright Industry, particularly literary authors and translators, in commemorating this year’s World Book and Copyright Day.
April 23rd was chosen by UNESCO as a day to acknowledge the significance of books and pay tribute to authors worldwide, as well as encourage everyone, particularly young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and to gain a renewed respect for the amazing contributions of those who have enhanced the social and cultural progress of humanity.
By celebrating the Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and especially the protection of intellectual endeavours through Copyright which is the mandate of Nigerian Copyright Commission.
The theme of this year’s celebration: “Books and Translations” focuses on the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Index Translatationum, an international bibliography of translations.
Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, in a special message said: “translation is the first step towards the rapprochement of peoples and is also the decentralizing experience, diversity and dialogue. Translation is one of the driving principles of our creative diversity which enriches each language through contact with all others”.
Afam Ezekude, Director General of NCC, the government agency for Copyright administration, protection and enforcement, has continued to work tirelessly to ensure the enthronement of a viable Copyright System that adds value to the economy by ensuring that Authors, Translators and other Copyright Owners derive maximum returns on their investments.
To this end, the Commission hereby solicits the cooperation and continued support of all stakeholders in its bid to sanitise the copyright industries for a better Nigeria and the ultimate benefit of the World.