NBFT, NPA laud President Buhari for signing Copyright bill into law

 

NBFT, NPA LAUD PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR SIGNING COPYRIGHT BILL INTO LAW

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT) and the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) have both praised President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Copyright Bill, which provides for the regulation, protection, and administration of copyright. This new legislation is a landmark initiative that offers significant leeway in the continuing drive to protect the intellectual property of Nigerian creative sector players, of which the book ecosystem features most prominently.

The NBFT and the NPA in different statements issued by their Presidents, Dare Oluwatuyi

Chairman, Nigerian Book Fair Trust and Uchenna Cyril Anioke  President/Chairman-in- Council, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) have both noted the great potential of the new law to promote the climate for innovation overall, as well as boost the capacity of the book trade to contribute even greater volumes of revenue and lawful employment to the Nigerian economy and for Nigerians. According to them, the new law also lays the groundwork for the restoration and improvement of the image of Nigeria as a nation that is demonstrably desirous of improving its copyright climate.

The new law is also expected to encourage more foreign investments in the creative industry even as it enhances the country's international reputation. Both The NPA and NBTF commended the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein, and the National Assembly for their roles in ensuring the passage of the bill.

The signing of the bill has been described as a significant milestone in the efforts to protect the rights of authors and ensure just rewards and recognition for their intellectual efforts, provide appropriate limitations and exceptions to guarantee access to creative works, and expand the rights of authors while raising the sanctions for criminal infringements.

The NBFT and the NPA have pledged their support for all efforts geared towards the successful implementation of the new law and affirm that all of their constituent member groups would do likewise. They have appealed to all and sundry to support this initiative for the betterment of all and also appealed to book pirates to desist from their nefarious acts, as it would not be business as usual for them, with this new Copyright Amendment Bill.

The signing of the Copyright Bill is a significant step towards strengthening the copyright regime in Nigeria, and it is expected to provide greater protection to creators and investors in the creative sector. The NBFT and the NPA have both expressed hope that this gesture would have a positive impact on the country's economy, and they have urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the law is effectively implemented.

 

Ibadan Book Club Urges Governor Seyi Makinde to Renovate and Equip Oyo State Library

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB URGES GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE TO RENOVATE AND EQUIP OYO STATE LIBRARY TO PROMOTE READING CULTURE AND EDUCATION

 

The Ibadan Book Club has expressed their concern about the state of the Oyo State Library and have called on Governor Seyi Makinde to renovate and equip it. The Oyo State Library Board, which came into existence in 1955, was established to provide qualitative library services to the people of the Western Region and to encourage a reading culture among school children.

Historically, the Oyo State Library Board was known as the Western Regional Library and was established by the Western Government led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The library was created to complement the government's efforts to improve the educational standard in the region, particularly through the provision of free primary education.

Over the years, the Oyo State Library has faced several challenges, including inadequate funding and a lack of modern equipment and facilities. This has had a negative impact on the quality of services provided by the library and on its ability to meet the needs of its users.

The Ibadan Book Club, a group of book lovers and advocates for the promotion of reading culture, has observed the deteriorating state of the Oyo State Library and has called on the governor to take urgent steps to renovate and equip the library. The group believes that a functional and well-equipped library is essential to the development of a reading culture and to the education of the people of the state.

The book club has identified several areas of concern with regard to the Oyo State Library. These include the inadequate supply of books, outdated technology, and poorly maintained facilities. The group has called for an increase in funding for the library, the acquisition of new books and technology, and the provision of a conducive environment for reading and research.

The Ibadan Book Club has also highlighted the importance of the library in promoting literacy and education. A well-equipped library can serve as a resource center for students, researchers, and the general public, providing access to a wide range of information and knowledge. This can help to bridge the gap in educational opportunities between different socio-economic groups.

The Ibadan Book Club has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to take a proactive stance on the issue of the Oyo State Library. They have called on him to prioritize the renovation and equipping of the library as part of his administration's commitment to education and development in the state.

The group has suggested that the governor engage with relevant stakeholders, such as the Oyo State Library Board and other organizations involved in literacy and education, to identify the specific needs of the library and to develop a comprehensive plan for its renovation and upgrading.

The Ibadan Book Club has also encouraged the governor to seek the support of international organizations and donors in funding the renovation and equipping of the library. This can help to ensure that the library meets international standards and is equipped with the latest technology and resources.

The group has emphasized that the Oyo State Library is a valuable asset to the state and to its people. A well-equipped and functional library can contribute to the development of the state's human capital and to the promotion of a reading culture that fosters intellectual growth and development.

 

Ibadan Book Club Marks 2023 World Poetry Day in Grand Style

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB MARKS 2023 WORLD POETRY DAY IN GRAND STYLE

 

The Ibadan Book Club celebrated the 2023 World Poetry Day in a grand style. The event was held on the 25th of March at the Oyo State Library Board. Members of the club came together to mark this year's edition of the World Poetry Day, which also coincided with the monthly reading program of the club, tagged "Ibadan Reads." The event was graced by Mr. Sulaiman Olaide Salawudeen, an assistant lecturer at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and a freelance writer/public commentator, who spoke extensively on journalism, poetry, editing, and publishing.

The guest speaker, Mr. Sulaiman Salawudeen, was a former civil servant who later became a journalist with The Nation newspaper. He shared his experience as a journalist and how he combined his profession with his passion for writing poetry. Mr. Salawudeen also read from his works and answered questions from the audience, making the event informative and engaging.

As part of the celebration, the club distributed poetry anthology titled “Songs of a Stranger at the Smiling Cost” written by Obinna Chilekezi. The books were given out to the participants free of charge, providing an opportunity for them to read and appreciate the beauty of poetry.

The event also featured some of the club members who read from their poems. Olowe Inioluwa, a student of God’s Blessing Comprehensive College, read “Nigeria,” while Taiwo Fauziyyah read “Illuminating Journey,” and Salawudeen Moridiya read “Theatrics Towards 2019.” The audience was also treated to a brief lecture by Mr. Salaudeen on “Celebrating the Beauty of Poetry.”

The theme of discussion, “Celebrating the Beauty of Poetry,” sparked a lot of interesting contributions from the audience. Members of the club, including Mr. Gbenga Adetayo, Soyinka Abayomi Yusuf, Adegbite Temisola, Kayode Ayomide, and Adeleke I.O.B, made fantastic contributions to the theme of discussion. The discussions were insightful and thought-provoking, further reinforcing the importance of poetry in our society.

Unfortunately, two members of the club, Mr. Marcus Ugboduma and Mr. Adeoye Thomson, were unable to attend the event, but they sent their apologies. Nevertheless, the event was a huge success, thanks to the support of the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asien, who sponsored the event.

The Ibadan Book Club is known for promoting literature and reading culture in Ibadan and its environs. The club's members are passionate about reading and writing, and they come together regularly to discuss books and literary works. The club also organizes events like the World Poetry Day celebration to promote poetry and encourage aspiring poets.

The 2023 World Poetry Day celebration was a memorable one, and the Ibadan Book Club deserves commendation for organizing such a successful event. The club's dedication to promoting literature and reading culture is laudable, and it serves as an inspiration to other literary groups and book clubs in the country.

Why Ibadan Book Club mobilized support for Gov. Seyi Makinde Re-election bid

 

REASONS WHY IBADAN BOOK CLUB MOBILIZED SUPPORT FOR GOV. SEYI MAKINDE RE-ELECTION BID

 

Ibadan Book Club is a group of intellectuals, writers, and book lovers in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, Nigeria. The group was established to promote reading culture and to provide a platform for literary discussions among its members. Over the years, the group has grown in membership and influence, attracting writers, scholars, and intellectuals from across the state and beyond.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator of the Club, Ayobami Odunyemi said Ibadan Book Club made a bold move by mobilizing support for Governor Seyi Makinde's re-election bid. The Club saw it as an opportunity to make a difference in the state's politics and to lobby the governor for the improvement of the state's education sector.

The Writers for Democratic Change was established by the Ibadan Book Club to drive the campaign for Governor Seyi Makinde's re-election bid. The movement comprised writers, journalists, and intellectuals who believed in the governor's vision for the state and wanted to contribute their quota to his re-election bid. The movement made several releases in support of the governor's re-election bid, highlighting his achievements in the education sector, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. Below are the links to some of these releases: https://pmparrotng.com/2022/09/24/second-term-in-office-makinde-secures-support-from-oyo-writers/, https://pmparrotng.com/2022/09/27/makindes-leadership-style-hailed-by-oyo-writers/, https://www.blueprint.ng/2023-oyo-writers-declare-support-for-makindes-second-term/. The Movement is also the author of the popular writeup, “Why Governor Seyi Makinde Deserves Second Term, 30 Good Reasons Why You Should Vote For Governor Seyi Makinde This Coming Saturday and others.

Some key political stakeholders in the state were briefed about the movement's activities, including Governor Seyi Makinde himself, the Commissioner for Information, the Oyo SUBEB Chairman, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The movement also engaged in door-to-door campaigns, rallies, and other forms of political mobilization to garner support for the governor's re-election bid.

One of the reasons why the Ibadan Book Club supported Governor Seyi Makinde's re-election bid was his contribution to the education sector in the state. The governor had embarked on several projects aimed at improving the quality of education in the state, including the construction of new schools, renovation of existing ones, and the recruitment of more teachers. The Ibadan Book Club saw this as a step in the right direction and believed that the governor needed a second term to consolidate on his achievements.

Another reason why the Ibadan Book Club supported Governor Seyi Makinde's re-election bid was to lobby the governor for the improvement of the state's libraries. The group had been using the premises of the Oyo State Library Board since 2021 for their monthly reading activities. The group saw the need for the library to be upgraded to an international standard, and they believed that supporting the governor's re-election bid would give them the opportunity to make their case.

The Ibadan Book Club had featured over 60 writers since its inception, and the successors of Mrs. Adebola Akinlolu, who granted the group permission to use the library, had continued to allow them to use the premises for their monthly readings. The group believed that refurbishing the library would not only benefit them but also the entire state, as it would provide a conducive environment for learning and research.

The Ibadan Book Club made several correspondences to the governor, highlighting the need for the library to be upgraded to an international standard. They believed that this would not only benefit the state but also attract scholars and researchers from across the country and beyond. The group saw the governor's re-election bid as an opportunity to push their agenda and make a difference in the state's education sector.

Ibadan Book Club Congratulates Seyi Makinde on Re-election

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES SEYI MAKINDE ON RE-ELECTION

 

The Ibadan Book Club is thrilled to congratulate Governor Seyi Makinde on his successful re-election bid. His overwhelming victory is a testament to the confidence and trust the people of Oyo State have in his leadership and vision for the state. As a book club that advocates for education, intellectualism, and growth, we appreciate the Governor's commitment to the development of education in Oyo state.

Throughout his first term, Governor Seyi Makinde prioritized education, making it a centerpiece of his administration's agenda. He provided necessary resources to improve the quality of education in the state, including the allocation of funds to renovate schools, upgrade facilities and provide free education for primary and secondary schools in the state. We believe that his re-election is a testament to the people's satisfaction with his efforts in the education sector and his commitment to developing human capital.

In addition to education, Governor Seyi Makinde has also made remarkable strides in other sectors of the economy. He has been committed to building infrastructure, creating jobs, improving healthcare and boosting agriculture, among other things. His administration's focus on industrialization has attracted foreign investments, boosted the state's economy and created job opportunities for the people of Oyo state.

Governor Seyi Makinde's re-election is a significant achievement, especially in the face of the numerous challenges that the state and the nation face. The COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and economic downturn have made it difficult for many leaders to deliver on their promises. However, Governor Seyi Makinde has shown his leadership qualities by staying true to his words and delivering on his promises despite the challenges.

We believe that Governor Seyi Makinde's re-election is a mandate to continue his developmental agenda in Oyo state. His achievements in the first term have set a benchmark for his administration, and we are confident that he will continue to prioritize the welfare and development of the people of Oyo state. His re-election has shown that the people have confidence in his ability to lead the state to greater heights.

The Ibadan Book Club is committed to working with the Governor to promote education, intellectualism, and growth in the state. We believe that his re-election is an opportunity to deepen the relationship between the government and the people and to foster greater collaboration towards the development of Oyo state.

We urge Governor Seyi Makinde to continue to prioritize education in the state and to provide necessary support to enhance the quality of education. We also call on the government to invest more in the development of infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, among other critical sectors.

The Ibadan Book Club is confident that Governor Seyi Makinde's second term will be more productive, and we are committed to supporting his administration's efforts towards the development of Oyo state.