World Book Day: Commission urges publishers to make books in accessible formats for PWDs

By Oladele Eniola

The Nigerian Copyright Commission has called on publishers to create books in accessible formats for persons living with disabilities, saying it will encourage reading habits among them.

The Director-General of the commission, John Asein, made the call on Tuesday during an event in Lagos to commemorate the World Book and Copyright Day, with theme, “Read Your Way”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Book and Copyright Day, set aside by the United Nations Eductional Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), is celebrated annually on April 23.

Asein, who was represented Mrs Lynda Alphaeus, Director, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Lagos Office, also said that there was need for books to be published in indigenous languages.

He encouraged individuals to cultivate the habit of reading noting that knowledge gained from it can help transform the country.

“This year’s theme reaffirms the need to allow people read in the way they choose and wherever they are.

“This means making more books available in accessible formats for persons living with disabilities, especially blind and visually impaired persons.

“It also points to the need to publish more books in indigenous languages and take advantage of modern technology to reach more readers on digital platforms,” he said.

Asein noted that the commission would distribute frontline title books to 90 public schools adding that copyright and creativity clubs will be created in schools to promote respect for copyright.

He urged authors and publishers to engage more in book related activities.

NAN  reports that the event had pupils from different schools reciting  some poems by Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka,  to encourage reading culture among  students.

The schools include Christ Dominion Imperial School; First Zion High School, Ijegun; and Bisney College, Idimu among others. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran