D-G urges access to learning, written materials for the blind
Mr James Lalu Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and other executive of NAB at the pening of a three-day National Convention of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, in Abuja
Mr James Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copy Right Commission, has called on States to domesticate the Marrakesh Treaty to provide access to learning and written materials for the blind in the country.
Asein made the call on Friday in Abuja at the opening of a three-day National Convention of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB).
The director-general said that Nigeria began the domestication of the Marrakesh Treaty with the signing into law of the Copyright Act on March 17, 2023, and urged the 36 states and FCT to follow suit.
“It is expected that with domestication of the copyright law by the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the interest of the blind and vulnerable in the society will be adequately protected.
“It is to provide the blind and visually impaired persons with access to learning and written materials.
“It is an attempt by the international community to end book farming because it is understood that less than 10% of the books and reading materials available in any library are accessible to the blind.
“So it means that for every school you go to where you have 100 books in the library, maybe only one book will be accessible and in some cases no book is available for the blind to read”, he said.
The D-G said that the new Copyright Act has allowed cross border exchange of materials, such that books that were accessible in other countries could be easily brought to Nigeria at reduced cost.
Asein said the commission had agreed with the blind community to set a day annually as the National Accessibility Day.
“In this case we have agreed to have October 4, as the day to throw more light on the challenges facing the blind community and how we can do better in making more materials available for blind students in various institutions,” he added.
In his remarks, the National President of NAB, Mr Ishaqu Gombe explained that the convention was to take stock of the activities and programmes of the various state chapters, including the FCT.
“We check on achievements recorded so far and if need be address crucial matters as it affects members,” the president said.
According to him, with a new government in place, it is important for members of the association to brainstorm and present its agenda to states and Federal Government for implementation.
“We believe it will help to give blind persons access to learning aids to improve their learning skills,” Gombe added.
He also said that the association will elect new national officers during the convention.
Mr James Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, urged government to remember the disability community when considering people for palliative, and appointments to various offices.
He expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will carry the blind community in Nigeria along in all activities of government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
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