…says readers are the happiest people on earth
Theophilus Akpan, UyoFormer Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Akwa Ibom State and Patron of Uyo Book Club, Rt Hon.(Dr.) Ekong Sampson has called for a fresh impetus to copyright protection and awareness in the country.
Dr Ekong Sampson made this call in Uyo over the weekend during activities marking the 2022 World Book/ Copyright Day.
Speaking at the Book Day event, Barr. Sampson, who is an author of many books and poems, called for a review of the country’s Copyright Laws to energize reading culture even in a competitive business environment.
Dr Sampson postulated that readers are the happiest people on earth. He said; “we are going to have a saner and better humanity if we read books”.
Barr. Sampson charged parents to encourage their children to read. According to him, ‘reading takes children outside danger zones’.
The two-term State Assembly member for Mkpat Enin commended the founder of Uyo Book Club, Dr Udeme Nnana and members of the book club in the state for promoting reading culture among students and the public at large. He pledged to continue supporting the book club culture.
Recall that this year’s World Book/Copyright Day with the theme; ‘You Are a Reader’ as recognized by UNESCO was celebrated by Uyo Book Club with special features like reading and quiz competitions.
Among the schools who participated in World Book Day event were Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene, Adiahaobong Secondary Commercial School, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI), Uyo and Notre Dame Girls Secondary School, Urua Edet Obo.
Earlier in his tone setting, the founder of Uyo Book Club, Dr Udeme Nnana expressed the need for families to adopt a DEAR ( Drop Everything And Read) moment to boost the reading culture in the country. He said he hopes to breed a reading culture where book clubs will be on every street in the country.
Also speaking, a renowned journalist and author, Mr Anietie Usen called for voracious readership among young people in the society.
Readers, including former Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Nigeria and founder Inoyo Toro Foundation, Barr. Udom Inoyo, Ini Iteh and others championed the need to revive reading among young people through their presentations.
See pictures from the event:
