THE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has tasked youths in the country to be more creative by developing their intellect to provide solutions by becoming right owners for moral and financial gains.
This call was by the State Coordinator, NCC Ibadan Office, Mrs. Bisi Ogundiran, during a copyright sensitisation and public enlightenment programme to mark the 2022 World Intellectual Property (IP) Day at Ooni Girls High School, Iwara Ife, Osun State on 5th April 2022.
Speaking on the 2022 theme: IP and Youth: Innovation for a Better Future, Mrs. Ogundiran tasked the girl child on the need to expand their reading culture to create awareness on IP related issues, sharpen their knowledge on copyright and also to establish copyright club in schools. She noted that the all-girls secondary school was chosen for the programme to encourage the girl child on IP while encouraging the students to improve on their creativity and innovations to guarantee a better future for themselves and the society.
The State coordinator enlightened the students on the fundamentals of copyright and the benefits accruable from its protection while introducing the Commission, its mandates, vision and activities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Obawara of Iwara Ife, His Royal Highness, Oba Samuel Adedire, assured the Commission of his commitment towards entrenching a sustainable environment for creativity to thrive and to expose the activities of pirates, if any, in his domain.
Commending the Commission on steps taken to enthrone a sane copyright community, Oba Adedire appreciated the Commission for bringing this year’s celebration of World IP Day to his domain, being the first of its kind, and pledged to support the Commission and encourage authors and right owners to do so.
The school principal, Mrs. M. A. Odewola expressed appreciation to the NCC team for choosing the school for the commemoration of the 2022 World IP Day and thanked His Royal Highness, Oba Samuel Adediran, for his support and contribution towards the growth of the school
The kings and the traditional chiefs in attendance with the staff of NCC Ibadan Office were led in a royal procession through the streets of Iwara Ife by the traditional royal praise singers to the school, venue of the celebration.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of some books donated by major publishers and the Commission’s publication, What is Copyright? distributed by the State Office. Also, a prolific writer and author, Chief Ogunremi Olaposi (Babalaje Itoro of Iwaraland), donated one hundred and fifty copies of his book, Moremi Ajasoro for distribution to students while the guests were entertained to cultural dance and displays by the students.