Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

The German government, through the Consulate General Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, has joined Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) – Solution17 for Climate Action and the United Nations Information Centre for Nigeria (UNIC) to promote Climate Change Adaptation as a build-up to the crucial COP26 – UN Climate Change Conference, holding in Glasgow between November 1 and 12.

The Campaign tagged #NaijaClimateNow, which began in June 2021, is currently calling for  doers, creators, innovators, scientists, students, youths, and entrepreneurs to design and implement solutions towards Climate Change Adaptation in Nigeria through tech-driven sustainable businesses and projects in climate smart agriculture, eco-friendly growers, waste to wealth, food processing programme, food preservation and others.

The registration, which was originally closed on July31, was extended to August 31 to allow wider registration and submission of solutions in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

According to Foluke Michael, Project Director of CYCDI – Solution17 for Climate Action, the project was designed to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent a climate crisis. Solution17 for Climate Action has embarked on massive climate adaptation projects through Green Recovery to build back better in Lagos and Nigeria. Naija Climate Now was launched to support green businesses in climate smart agriculture, food processing, water resources, product value chain, tech for climate, biodiversity protection, and others.

The support from the government of Germany will help promote the Green Entrepreneurs to champion Green Recovery in Lagos and across other Nigeria states. It will also cover the training of 34 Finalists, Incentives for growers and some equipment to support climate action enterprises beyond the project life cycle.

 COVID-19 and impact on the economy

The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in an enormous economic loss. This is aside the constant devaluation of the naira and massive insecurity that has caused shortage of food supply across Nigeria.

The rate of poverty has drastically increased in Nigeria. Households have lost about one-quarter of their incomes, and over 17 million people were added to the poverty class in the country. Also, Lagos State has witnessed a 3.44percent growth rate, with over 20percent  vulnerable to poverty.

 Impact of climate change on the economy

Agriculture is the key source of food in Nigeria, and it employs over 70 percent of the country’s labour force and contributes up to 40 percent of its national economy. Nigeria is exposed to a range of climate conditions and extreme weather events. One of the important ways climate change affects development and livelihood in Nigeria is through its impact on agriculture.

The impact of climate change has become more extreme in recent times, leading to the loss of land resources, low agricultural productivity, food scarcity and economic hardship, and also fueling herder-farmer violence in the south.

Extreme climate events like flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures have resulted in soil degradation, which has led to low crop yields for most small-scale farmers. When food systems are supplied by rain-fed agriculture, even moderate rainfall patterns can substantially negatively impact productivity and food security.

Naija Climate Now

With registration now extended to 31 August 2021 from its earlier 31 July 2021 date, “the project will welcome applications from anyone under 35 years old in Nigeria who has ideas or solutions. Submission can either be by individuals or teams. All eligible entrants must apply online. The process includes Screening and Interview sessions, presentation of finalists and a virtual Innovation Hub to develop and co-create climate change solutions,” says Foluke Michael.

She adds: Later in the year, the project will showcase Nigerian-made solutions and technologies to address climate change at a special COP26 Summit and Art exhibition.”

The support by the German Government and United Nations through UNIC will reduce the rate of unemployment, poverty, zero hunger and climate change in Nigeria.

Some called him “Uncle Ben”. To others, he was “Oga Ben”. Even in death, renowned broadcaster and administrator, Mr. Benedict Chigozie Egbuna, is being extolled for having a heart of gold. Dignitaries, colleagues, protégés, family members and well-wishers thronged the MUSON Centre, Lagos, to celebrate him as his memoir, Destiny Fulfilled was presented posthumously. Evelyn Osagie reports.

To renowned broadcaster and administrator, Benedict Chigozie Egbuna, who passed away early this year, “There are three things a man should do: marry a wife, father a child and write a book,” Egbuna once said. Interestingly, the late media scored well on all fronts. His was a life well-spent; he was many things to many; but to his wife, Mrs. Betty Egbuna, he was simply “Ben”.

“He was a great man, anybody who had anything to do with Ben would know that he was a detribalised man. He didn’t care where you came from, what he wanted was excellence in your duties, and professionalism in your work,” Mrs. Egbuna recounted.

“Ben was a seasoned reporter, editor, analyst, administrator, colleague, friend, and mentor whose life inspired many. In a distinguished career, characterised by diligence and dedication, he traversed the studios and suites of the Voice of Nigeria and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, rising to be the first executive director (News) in the former, and director-general in the latter. He was chief executive officer, Niche Media Limited.

To honour him, the media, family, friends and colleagues gathered at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, for the posthumous launch of his memoir, entitled Destiny Fulfilled. For them, Ben, as he was popularly called, who would have turned 72 last month, lives on in their hearts. It had as book reviewer, the Executive Editor of The News Magazine, Mr. Kunle Ajibade.

Present at the event were his children, Uchendu and Chiedozie. One of the proud legacies of Egbuna is his 388-paged memoir, which, according to his wife, he painstakingly wrote over the years, detailing his exploits in the media world, his upbringing and personal life; providing knowledge on his socialisation and world view.

The book, which was presented by Diamonds Publication Limited and the family, also provides candid close-ups on leading names in the media and politics of his era and unfolds a lot of behind-the-scene happenings in high quarters in public service.

Publishing the book, Mrs. Egbuna stated, was her hubby’s “dream come true”. She expressed her appreciation for all the support received in making her late husband’s dream a reality. Describing the book as success nuggets of his career, family life and more. She said: “In fact, he would have launched it earlier in 2019 when he celebrated his 70 years birthday. My husband touched so many lives. Ben is a good man; this is aside being his wife. I still speak about him in the present because I believe he is still with me. The book is all he had dreamt about. There are so many things he wanted to do, just like the book title, he fulfilled’ destiny. He was a great mentor to his children. And I am glad he has some good friends who never left us because without their support, we would not have been able to do this and I am happy we fulfilled his destiny by publishing this book.”

According to the book reviewer, it is both a personal and corporate history of broadcast journalism in Nigeria; he noted that it “makes for a compelling read and has fascinating stories all through the chapters”.

“In “A Destiny Fulfilled”, Ben Egbuna renders a very detailed account of his eventful life. He tells an intimate story of his career spanning more than 35 years as a broadcast journalist. He writes feelingly about his humble background, his marriage to Betty, whom he met at Radio Nigeria… He tells us his own sad but riveting stories of the Nigeria-Biafra War and his stint in the Post and Telecommunications Department. It was a tribute to his competence as a newshound that many of his colleagues and even bosses started calling him Oga Ben instead of Uncle Ben,” Ajibade said.

For Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, who unveiled the memoir to the public, Ben Egbuna was a great and decent man.

Urging all journalists and media practitioners to borrow a leaf from the life of the late media icon, he advised that they show professionalism in the course of their duties. He said: “I am proud to have known this man (Egbuna). He was really a thorough professional and a decent man, a shining example of the media profession. We can all learn from him, even from the book review we just heard. The book is his legacy to us all. I am grateful to him. Egbuna led my campaign when I was to be the president of Nigeria Guild of Editors.”

Recounting the journey towards publishing the book, the publisher and Chief Exective Officer of Diamond Publications Limited, Lanre Idowu, said: “ Today, is a day of celebration; celebration of journalism, decency, accomplishment, family, communal organisation and values. We are convinced that Ben Egbuna’s spirit is here, today and he is nodding in approval that we are doing this in his honour. I know that the book meant so much to him. He looked forward to its formal presentation but as human ways are not of the Lord, it pleased the Lord to take him a few months earlier before the presentation.

“It took him years of mental rigours to write. He was a decent human being and those qualities endeared him to us. Egbuna’s book has two names to it, “Destiny” and “Fulfillment”. Anyone that has written a book has done something significant. Egbuna has done that and for that he deserves our appreciation… We should ensure that the rich message of this book travel far and wide for his reason of writing this book is to share knowledge, experience, to seek to persuade of the message that is contained in that book,” he said.

The Deputy Director, Public Affairs Voice of Nigeria, Mrs. Sylvia Dallas-Salami who represented the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria described the author as a mentor who was always “encouraging the younger generation in the media world to be professional and disciplined regardless of their tribe or religion”. “I was not the only one that he encouraged, a lot of us in Voice of Nigeria. He would encourage you, he would teach you irrespective of where you come from; he was a detribalised Nigerian.”

Representing the President of the Guild of Editors, the Deputy Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria, Mrs. Yinka Atolagbe, praised the author for being a great teacher and mentor when he was alive. “He taught me the rudiments of broadcast journalism, he was a great teacher and a great mentor for that matter and just as the book reviewer said, he was a good man and the profession will miss him,” she said.

For Mr Demola Oyinlola, formerly of Tell Magaazine, who anchored the event, the book is a celebration of his values, epitomising a mission accomplished.

Mr. Temilolu Fosudo, son of veteran actor and academic, Prof. Sola Fosudo, has emerged the overall winner of the 4th Beeta Playwright Competition organised by Beeta Universal Arts Foundation.

Fosudo’s winning entry Black Dust fetched him a cash prize of N1 million. Kalayingi John-Africa’s Orchid won her the first runner-up position while Ibukun Fasunhan’s Beertanglement won him the second runner-up position. Like Fosudo, he got to the final stage of the competition last year.

Others in the shortlist were Adesewa Akinyemi’s Your Nemesis, Chinazom Otubelu’s The Old Man Must Obey, Yemi Akande’s Flowers Will Smile Again, Gladys A. Nwaokoma’s Ya Gazie, Nyakno James’ Gaddo, Ifeoma Igwe’s Aye Wale and Olaide Mohammed’s The Indigent on the throne.The ceremony which was supported by Union Bank and Shell was held last week at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

The foundation, which was founded by award-winning actress and producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas in 2010, is an annual event that creates opportunities for budding Nigerian playwrights to hone their skills in creative writing. BUAF promotes arts through theatre production and education.

Founder and Curator of Beeta Universal Arts Foundation, Ms. Bikiya Graham-Douglas, said it had been a herculean task pruning the entries to the final list of 10, saying: “We received 538 entries from across the country and are thrilled that many young voices are taking this opportunity to share their stories with us.”

She identified getting the funds as a very challenging task because it’s really difficult to find funds as lot of organisations think about their bottom line. For this and many reasons, she appreciates Union Bank and Shell for actually coming into the project.

“So, I would like to really appreciate Shell and Union Bank for really holding my hand. The other thing I would say is that last year, I think it was bigger than funding to me-losing my mom. She was a trustee of Beeta. She found this idea because when I had the idea, I wasn’t really sure how I will go about it. She held my hand through the concept phase to becoming what it is,” she said.

She resolved to ensure the sustainability of the project, noting that it can be daunting putting competitions and productions like these together, ‘’but we believe it is our responsibility and are committed to continuing to do so, she said’ ‘

She further said:“Our past winners, Paul Ugbede, Abdul-Qudus Ibrahim and Achalugo Chioma Ezeoke have since had their plays published and produced to audiences of over 30,000 in different parts of the country thereby introducing their works to the next generation.

“We have also seen tremendous success amongst our finalists with one of them, Dr Soji Cole going on to win the prestigious NLNG prize for Literature.”

She recalled the opportunities the award has provided past winners: “Our past winners, Paul Ugbede, Abdul-Qudus.

Ibrahim and Achalugo Chioma Ezeoke have since had their plays published and produced to audiences of over 30,000 in different parts of the country thereby introducing their work to the next generation.

“We have also seen tremendous success amongst our finalists with one of them, Dr Soji Cole going on to win the prestigious NLNG prize for Literature,’’she said.

For Fosudo, who was at the ceremony in company of his parents , “I feel overwhelmed. I was part of those that made the shortlist last year and I was the 2nd runner-up. I’m really grateful to the organisers for the opportunity.”

‘’I like to write about social issues. I’ve written about nine plays. My entry for this year, Black Dust, is about corruption and abuse of power. The protagonist is Oko Orin, husband of music who is modeled after the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulap Kuti and Malcolm X, two great revolutionaries I admire.

“I like to write about social issues. So, the two plays have that in common.The other play was basically about identity.”

“I like to write about social issues. So, the two plays have that in common. The other play, was basically about identity. Nigerians and Nigeria trying to find its identity. Our major problem as far as Iam concerned is that we don’t know our identity, we don’t know who we are as a country. We are borrowing from the West. We are mixed, we have Igbos, we have Yorubas, Hausa and other tribes. We’re borrowing a lot of culture from the West, the East… You know, this is a juxtaposition of cultures and ideas that make us a bit scattered and confused as a people. So, you know, that play was about finding our identity, respecting our identity as a Country. So, this one touches basically on corruption and abuse of power,’’ he added.

Renowned playwright and theatre arts scholar, Prof. Ahmed Yerima led the panel of judges that selected the winners. Other panelists include filmmaker and creative industry veteran, Ms. Ego Boyo, book publisher, Ms. Ibiso Graham-Douglas, writer and producer, Ms. Ayo Jaiesimi and art journalist and critic, Dr. Shaibu Husseini.

A public servant who retired from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Pa Akinlawon Soremekun, is currently cutting his teeth in the world of sculpting as he dazzled family, friends and associates at his 70th birthday celebration. He exhibited some of his classical sculptures of the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka; and founder of the West African Students Union (WASU), the late Ladipo Solanke and others.

The Ogun State-born septuagenarian sculptor said he was inspired by nature to create works of arts, which is his passion. Also in his art gallery in Lagos is the portrait of the late Isaac Olufusibi Coker, who lived between 1840 and1910.

According to Pa Soremekun, his work inspires history which he noted is the basis of arts. On why he chose to model Prof Soyinka, the elder statesman noted that the Professor of Literary Art is living his life in a manner that generations after him wish to have him crested in indelible memories of citizens across the globe, describing him as a literary giant who must be given his place in history.

Pa Soremekun’s model of Prof. Soyinka and others are professedly perfect, appropriate and symbolic and can also be described as heroic classic. The sculptor said his age notwithstanding and that at 70, he has much more to offer the world.

“I hope to unveil many more art works of those Nigerians who have left their footprints in the sand of time for coming generations to have a feel of what our legends looked like in their life time.

“I intend presenting the works to the families of the sculpted directly or indirectly soon. It is a passion I developed right from childhood and I hope to live my entire life in retirement to ensure I get to the pinnacle of artistry.” Baba Show stated, adding that, it takes vision and passion to do what he is doing.

A Methodist, Baba Show said he is bringing new creativity into the world of arts and that he intends reaching out to the minister in charge of Arts and Culture to explore the possibilities of bringing innovations to enrich the Nigerian art industry.

The Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN) has called on the Federal Government to recognise the book sector as an industry and avail it of necessary support, such as financial assistance through grants and low interest loans via the Bank of Industry, since finance constitutes a major challenge to the sector.

The association made the call during its Annual General Meeting and book presentation at this year’s 20th edition of Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme: Women in Bookselling in Nigeria: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

In a communiqué issued at the close of the event, the association regretted that book piracy remained a major challenge and charged the authorities to put more effort in tackling the menace just as it recognised and commended the efforts of the Nigerian Copyright Commission at the moment in that regard.

The conference was followed by the presentation of The Nigerian Booksellers Directory 2021, containing information about existing booksellers in Nigeria which will help fight piracy as they called on the reading public to avail themselves of the information contained in the directory so as to readily know authentic booksellers in Nigeria and where to buy original books.

The well attended three-in-one event witnessed presentation from various stakeholders in the book industry,  Chairman on the occasion and CEO of Sterling Books Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Folashade Shinkaiye, and the panel of discussants, which comprised Pastor Oluyinka Morgan, Mrs. Olo Okaisabor and Mrs. Edith Obieke, extolled the strategic roles of women in Nigeria’s book industry. They noted that the involvement of women in the book ecosystem was germane to the quest of promoting and improving the industry and reading culture, given the role of women in the home and society.

The conference, which offered an opportunity for stakeholders in the book business to appraise the role of women in promoting the reading culture in Nigeria and Africa in general, noted that despite the strategic importance of women in the book sector, the number of women involved in the sector remained low compared to that of men. In a bid to boost women’s involvement in the book sector, the conference called for 40 percent “affirmative action” which should be based on competence and merit for more involvement of women in the sector.

Critical stakeholders were called on to pay attention and work with governments at local levels to make book available to the less privileged in IDP camps, primary and secondary schools as well as setting up libraries particularly in local government areas to revive the reading culture in the country.

However, the association regretted that the challenge of book selling in the country has been compounded by the fact that publishers now go to schools directly to supply books. They therefore called on booksellers to do more to encourage publishers by always remitting funds to them as at when due.

The book presentation session was chaired by Mr. Lanre Adesuyi. Mr. Lukman Dauda was the chief presenter; Mr. John Asein, special guest of honour, while Dr. Olayinka Oyegbile was the book reviewer. At the Annual General Meeting, which commenced after the presentation of the Directory, BAN returned the entire executive council unopposed.

The Rotary Club of Onigbongbo, in collaboration with the Lagos State Park and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), is promoting tree planting in the state. The club said environment is one of its seventh areas of focus with its theme: Plant Tree A tree.

Recently, at the Estate Primary School, Ogba-Ikeja, the club planted some trees.

At the event were the club’s President, Busuyi Adetunji; the immediate past president Adebowale Aderotoye, Past President Yinka Adeogun and another past president and now Assistant District Governor Sola Benson.

Adetunji expressed optimism with the programme. He noted that there was the need to plant trees to maintain the environment. He said the environment plays a major role in the life of man and woman and that for example, we get oxygen from the earth and breathe out carbon monoxide, which plants and animals need.

Head Teacher Mrs. Adenike Anjorin praised the club for the gesture, adding that the tree plantating would help in inculcating the essence of preserving the environment.

Benson recalled that yearly the club plant trees as part of their contribution to preserve the environment. He advised other clubs and Nigerians to take tree planting serious.

Driven by the desire to grow the art sector, a group of visual artists and writers under the aegis of Art Alliance 51 has created a credible all-inclusive platform for the promotion of Nigerian modern art. The initiative, which was to flag off before COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe, is a non-profit organisation designed to provide equal opportunity for members to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the creative sector.

According to the group’s director, Mrs Juliet Pearce,    artists cannot continue to criticize government or organisers of art events for their inadequacies without working towards how to be part of the solutions to the challenges in the sector. This, she said, prompted the coming together of artists and writers of like minds to form the group, Art Alliance 51. She disclosed that the objective is to provide a platform for engagement with the artists and writers and serve as that one umbrella platform that fosters synergy among members leading to growth in the sector. Art Alliance 51 is composed of artists and writers such as new Gong Writers Group, led by Adewale Pearce and Dulue Mbachu, Nigerian poets represented by Maxim Uzoatu, spoken word group led by Hassan Sage, performance artists, led by Odun Orimolade, Akademik studios from Asaba led by Phillip Nzekwe, Artists Anchor Point, led by Sam Ovraiti. African Artists Collective led by Klaranze Okhide from Abuja, Creative Young Minds workshop here in Lagos to mention a few.

The maiden show of the group tagged Art Arising Art Festival will hold via virtual and physical on August 21 at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos featuring local and international artists.  They include Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, Nse Abasi Inyang, Juliet Pearce, Philip Nzekwe, Roland Ogiame, Kalu Uche Karis, Omonigho Udenta, Olusegun Oluyele, Ayeva Medjeva (Togo), Yves Midahuen Benin Republic) and  Taiye Erewele. The festival will feature art exhibition, performance art, spoken word, poetry, discussion, children creative workshop among others.

In a chat with the press in Lagos,

Pearce recalled that the journey to get the project off the ground met with some challenges especially funding and logistics, which were further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We started this before COVID and it was tough then and after COVID it is even worse. So we decided that perhaps we’ve been looking in the wrong direction hoping that somebody else is going to bring this funding that we are going to use to develop our sector.

“We then decided to do what we can even if it is a small one. Even if we fail for five years, we are going to start now and keep failing until we get it right and that’s how Art Alliance 51 was born,” she said.

She noted that some individual artists are doing few things in different areas in the creative sector who decided to be part of the initiative, which is why ‘we have this small group exhibition that has turned out to be a festival.’

“We hope that by doing these we can achieve something for ourselves and carve out a niche in this visual art industry for ourselves as individual artists and become the pillars of the visual art industry in 10  or 20 years.  And perhaps leave a good legacy for the younger artistS behind to benefit from,” she added.

Anambra State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Women Commission, has called for more women’s active participation and commitment in the union and politics.

The call was made at the inaugural ceremony of the executive members with the theme: Celebrating our great women; No woman,  No Nation, held at the Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotels, Awka.

At the event, Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano encouraged the women to harness their potential and bring out their values in service and the society. He praised the agility of women in keeping the home front, while excelling in their choiced careers and governance. The governor was represented by the Head of Service, Mr Harry Udu.

Speaking on the theme, the National Chairperson TUC Women Commission, Mrs. Hafsat Shaibu, urged the women to take up leadership positions in different capacities, enjoining them to be “a sister’s sister” by imbibing in the spirit of working in unity and speaking with one voice, and as well educate the girl-child. “Please stop relegating yourself to the back seat. Always work to take up leadership positions, even among men, for with determination, you can be anywhere. Across the globe, and in Nigeria, we have women breaking the glass ceiling and iron doors to attain extraordinary heights in different fields.We must be distinguished and eminent at all levels so that we can be worthy of emulation,” she said.

Commending the governor for his support toward labour movement, Mrs. Shaibu appealed to the men folk to always create a conducive environment for the women to strive.

The State Chairperson, Anambra TUC Women Commission, Mrs Nneka Nwankwo, charged the women to get involved in trade unionism, urging them not to see their gender as a weaker sex but as strategic thinkers, innovators and mentors. “Let us shun all obstacles and discouragements and come out enmasse to give trade unionism that important feminine touch for better welfare of workers, our society, and our children,” she said.

Earlier in his speech, the Anambra State TUC Council Chairman, Mr Ifeanyi Okechukwu said: “Let us give the women a chance to exercise their values and potential in politics and other sectors of government for the development of the state.’’

The event also featured a presentation of awards to exceptional personalities and the inauguration of Executive Committee members of TUC Women Commission.

The literati in Anambra State, under the auspices of Awka Literary Society, are set to honour one of Africa’s greatest poets, Christopher Okigbo, with diverse poetic and cultural activities at a poetry festival, Return to Idoto 3.

The triennial poetry festival, which attracts poets and visitors from across the world, is the first notable effort, in recent memory, to honour the fallen poet in his native Ojoto among his own people.

Born on August 16, 1932, Okigbo was a member of the first generation of Nigeria’s prodigiously gifted writers which includes novelist Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and Prof J.P Clark.

Beginning with “A Welcome Evening” by the Awka Literary Society by 7p.m on Thursday,  August 19 in Akwa, the train will shuttle to Ojoto and end in a “Reading at the Cradle”.

The star poet for this year’s event is James Eze. He will be joined in the beautiful rites of passage called the “Seven Stations of the Word” by five other Nigerian poets and a host of other reputable authors as they walk the path the Master himself walked.

James Eze is the winner of the 2020 ANA Poetry Prize with his debut collection, Dispossessed. His poems have appeared in “Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria” and Mindfire.He is joined by the young, strong and active voices of Daggar Tolar; the recently published author of Nka-Nwachukwu Egbunike; poet and journalist, Evelyn Osagie; poet and literary critic, Ifesinachi Nwadike, and the poet and king of Obosi community, Igwe Chidubem Iweka ( Eze Iweka III) with a host of other poets from across Africa.

According to the orgnaisers, “the event, which has hosted notable poets since its inception, enjoys the support of Brande Aristotle Limited, the Okigbo Foundation, Obiora Okonkwo Foundation and the Anambra State Ministries of Tourism, Information and Culture”.

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has called for more access to learning materials for the visually impaired. According to NCC Director-General, Dr. John O. Asein, less than one per cent of books were available in formats that visually impaired persons could read unassisted.

He, therefore, canvassed for affirmative action to ensure more access to learning materials in accessible formats for visually impaired and print disabled persons in line with the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and the Marrakesh Treaty which the country ratified in 2017.

Dr. Asein made the call in Abuja when the President, Association of Lawyers with Disability in Nigeria (ALDIN), Mr. Daniel Onwe and Director of Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (ANWAB), Mr. Danlamin Basheru paid a visit to the commission.

He called on all stakeholders, particularly authors, publishers and agencies responsible for the provision of books and learning materials to school children, to take proactive steps by insisting on the provision books in accessible formats to blind and print disabled persons.

In his words, “Every human being has one challenge or the other and no one should be locked out of learning and education facilities merely on account of his or her peculiar physical condition. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly for their political will in bringing about the enactment of the Disabilities Prohibition Act; it is hoped that the Executive Copyright Bill recently transmitted to the National Assembly would be enacted into law to facilitate the exceptions provided for print disabled persons under the copyright system.

“The commission is committed to championing the course of visually impaired and print disabled persons to ensure the removal of discrimination against them in the provision of learning and education materials. This would further assist in delivering on government’s policy of inclusiveness at all levels and help to harness the full potentials of all Nigerians, irrespective of their physical challenges. We appeal to authors and publishers to imbibe the practice of making their books “born accessible”,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of ALDIN, Mr. Onwe, stated that as the umbrella body of lawyers with disabilities in Nigeria and those in diaspora, the association was involved in advocacy for access to justice for the disabled and the enactment of the law prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities in the country.

According to him, the visit to NCC was part of the association’s drive for partnerships to ensure that books and educational materials were accessible to persons with disabilities. He added that ALDIN’s engagement of relevant organisations has enabled it in providing a voice for its members in various forums such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the courts. He assured the Director-General of ALDIN’s support for the Commission’s various programmes to alleviate the plight of the blind.

In his contribution, the Director of ANWAB, Mr. Danlami Basharu, stated that ANWAB was committed to the welfare of the blind, teaching them to read and write using Braille, typewriters and computers. He explained that the organisation has facilities to aid the production of books in brail, with libraries for accessing brail books while helping blind persons to be more independent.

Mr. Basharu promised that ANWAB would assist in transcribing the Executive Copyright Bill into brail for the benefit of the blind.

Others present at the visit were the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (the training arm of NCC), Mr. Mike Akpan; Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso; Director, Legal, NCC, Mr. Emeka Ogbonna; and FCT Chairman of ALDIN, Mr. Kassim Lawal.