Education
World Book Day: Commission tasks Nigerians on reading culture
World Book Day: Commission tasks Nigerians on reading culture
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerians to embrace reading and support the creative industry.
Its Director-General, Dr John Asein, said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday while commemorating the 2022 World Book and Copyright Day.
He also urged Nigerians to show more respect for copyright as a veritable tool for wealth creation and sustainable national development
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has set aside every April 23 to promote reading and celebrate authors and books.
This year’s theme ‘Read…so you never feel alone,’ highlights the relevance of reading as an aspect of life that has a social bearing on the individual and society.
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Asein said that the commission, as an agency of government responsible for the promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright, recognised the importance of reading as the bedrock of creativity.
“The theme for this year, therefore, underscores the importance of books to the acquisition of knowledge and as catalysts for national development.
“With other agencies and stakeholders in the book and knowledge industry, we must put a lie to the old stereotype that the best place to hide something from black people is in a book.
“To this end, the Commission will be doing more to promote the culture of reading as a pastime for entertainment, enlightenment and education.
“As we strive to protect copyright, we should also be committed to the sustainable use of copyright products, such as books to promote the values and aspirations of society.
“In promoting respect for copyright, we must also strive to maintain a congenial atmosphere for creative enterprises to flourish,” the director-general said.
According to him, the Commission is reviving Copyright and Creativity Clubs in schools too, amongst other things, promoting reading and respect for creativity.
“Also, in the spirit of the Marrakesh Treaty and the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, the Commission is also championing the campaign to allow more blind children to have access to books and learning materials.
“We call on publishers to embrace this initiative and make more books accessible for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled.
“The new Copyright Bill that was recently passed by the Senate makes provision for the domestication of the treaty.
“This further shows the Federal Government’s commitment to its policy of inclusiveness, equal access and non-discrimination against persons living with disabilities,” he said.
UNIMAID Student Drowns in Gwange River, Another Rescued
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic drowning incident has claimed the life of a University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) student, while another was rescued after they went swimming at the Gwange River Bank in Maiduguri.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 14, 2025, around 7:00 p.m., when two UNIMAID students, identified as Abafras Abdiel from the Department of Forestry and Silas Sule from the Department of Geology, went to the Gwange River Bank behind ECWA Church for a swim.
While diving, both students drowned in the river, prompting an emergency response. A combined rescue team, including the police, divers, and fire service personnel, was immediately mobilized to the scene.
The rescue team managed to retrieve both victims and rushed them to the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri. While Abafras Abdiel was admitted for treatment, Silas Sule was unfortunately certified dead by doctors. His body has since been deposited at the hospital for autopsy and further investigations.
The authorities have urged students and residents to exercise caution when engaging in activities near water bodies, especially during the dry season, when river currents can be unpredictable.
UNIMAID Student Drowns in Gwange River, Another Rescued
Federal University Gusau: A 300-level student died in a bandit’s den in Zamfara
By: Our Reporter
This is truly heartbreaking. Zarah Abubakar Shehu, a 21-year-old 300-level student at Federal University Gusau, was abducted along with her two siblings by bandits in the early hours of Sunday, November 3, 2024, from their home in the Damba area of Gusau, Zamfara State.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦35 million for their release. After much struggle, the family managed to gather ₦10 million, which the kidnappers agreed to accept. However, even after receiving the money, they still refused to release Zarah. Instead, they demanded four motorcycles (Boza) and four cartons of engine oil.
Zarah and her siblings spent four months in captivity. When all the items were finally gathered, the kidnappers’ leader was informed. He then called his men to check on the captives. To everyone’s horror, his men responded that only two children remained; one of them, Zarah, had passed away and had already been buried two days earlier.
Zarah was the only daughter of her mother, making her loss even more devastating. Her passing is not just a tragedy for her family but a heartbreaking reflection of the ongoing insecurity in Zamfara State and the pain that countless families endure.
Federal University Gusau: A 300-level student died in a bandit’s den in Zamfara
Gunmen Kidnap Four Students in Katsina State
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits have abducted four students from Paris Quarters, behind the Federal University, Dutsinma, in Katsina State, security sources told Zagazola Makama on Sunday.
The attack occurred at about 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, when the assailants, reportedly in large numbers, quietly invaded the area and whisked away four individuals.
The victims have been identified as Wali Kayode (25), Fahad Muhammad (20), Emmanuel (surname unknown), and another yet-to-be-identified person.
Security operatives were mobilized to the scene immediately after receiving a distress call but the bandits had fled.
Security sources said that Efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims safely.
Gunmen Kidnap Four Students in Katsina State
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