The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has said apart from the traditional book, it is also encouraging its members to embrace other forms of book, like e-books, in order for everyone to have easy access to the store of knowledge.
President of NPA, Chief Cyril Anioke, stated this during a virtual press conference on Tuesday to mark this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, which is celebrated every April 23.
With the theme of this year’s celebration being, ‘Read Your Way,’ Chief Anioke acknowledges the fact that there are other forms of book, adding that it is already encouraging its members to go with the technological trend for all categories of people to enjoy reading books.
The NPA president, who was represented by the deputy president, Chief Austin Onwubiko, said the declaration of April 23 annually as World Book and Copyright Day by the United Nations speaks volume on the importance the global body attaches to the production of high-quality books to engage the human mind.
The theme of this year’s WBCD ‘Read Your Way’ is also apt and timely especially at a time when technology is causing irreversible paradigm shift in the industry, presenting the men and women, young and old with multiple windows and means to read their interest.
‘Read Your Way’ calls on everyone to let go of pressure and expectations, giving children a choice and a chance to enjoy reading. Research has also shown that children, even adults are more likely to enjoy reading when their choices are championed and reading made fun.
“You will agree with me that during our days, there were only available few books, leaving us with minimal option on what to read. Additionally, the few children’s materials in circulation were only available in hard copy, which implies that you must have to move it from one point to the other in order to read it.
“Of course, we are not oblivious of the obvious disadvantages of this. Apart from being exposed to early wear and tear, books produced only in hard copies require illumination to be read. How many homes then, even now, have access to affordable and reliable electricity supply for domestic use? As a matter of fact, many of us seated here are ignorant of the electricity band where we belong.
“The good news, however, is that a lot has changed. This generation has multiple options at its fingertips to read in a way and of course, the book that catches its interest. Technology has made it possible for you to purchase any book of choice with just a click of button at any time of the day.
“Also, the gadgets at our disposal have given us the option to engage with books at any time of the day, as we can read directly from the screen. Not only that, availability of books in audio format has also expanded interest, as we can now read only by listening.
“Therefore, in reading our way, we will be exposed to personal and intellectual development. Reading our way helps us expand our knowledge, improve language skills, and enhance critical thinking abilities. Reading our way also broadens our perspectives, allows us to explore new ideas and concepts. “
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NPA, Mr Emmanuel Abimbola, revealed that there is a World Book Day, which is celebrated every first Thursday in March, saying that belongs to the United Kingdom and Ireland due to the fact that April 23 clashes with their Saint George’s Day and Easter holiday.
In attendance at the press conference were several book-promoting organisations, literary activists, officials of the National Library, publishers, among others.
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