Twenty third of April every year is being observed as World Book and Copyright day.
The day was first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1995 and celebrated by a growing number of partners including voluntary organizations, schools, public bodies, professional groups and private businesses.
Correspondent, Njideka Okoye who gave an insight on the significant of the day reports that World Book and Copyright Day has won a considerable number of people from every continent and all cultural background to the cause of books and copyright.
The celebration, which promotes the enjoyment of books and reading, also recognizes the scope of books, a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.
In her reaction, Special Adviser to Governor on Chieftaincy and Community matters, Barrister Vera-Queen Okonkwo said the day is symbolic in world literature and was a natural choice for UNESCO’s General Conference held in Paris aimed at paying worldwide tribute to books and authors and also encourage everyone to access books.
Barrister Okonkwo stressed the need to encourage young writers especially writers of Igbo books.
Speaking on the day, the Acting Director, Anambra State Library Services, Dr. Nkechi Udeze who described book as very important to everyone, called for the introduction of reading culture at infant stage to help the child develop pleasure in reading.
Dr Udeze noted that the Internet is having serious negative effect on book reading development of a child.
On his part, the Councilor representing Oba Ward Two in Idemili South LGA, Hon. Ekene Aghasiefo, said the day is worth celebrating since books are vectors of values and knowledge, depositor of intangible heritage, windows onto the diversity of cultures and tools for dialogue, adding that rights of authors should be protected to encourage young writers.
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