20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE NIGERIAN COPYRIGHT COMMISSION

           

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

Nigerian Copyright Commission is celebrating its 20 years of existence having been established in August 1989. While twenty years in the life of an individual may not be significant, it is a milestone in the corporate existence of any organization. This is more so in a field like copyright law and administration that is still evolving despite overwhelming evidence that it is one of the pillars of every advanced economy. For us, this is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Commission, in the face of extreme challenges and unrelenting hostilities, particularly from pirates and their sympathizers. It is also a moment for sober reflection on the strategic implementation of our core mandates. It is a time to take stock of our accomplishments and challenges.

Over the last decade, Intellectual Property (IP) of which copyright is a significant component has grown in global importance and most developed and developing economies are now largely knowledge driven. This is more so as most nations depend on the creative capacity of individuals and groups to attain development. Added to this is the fact that Intellectual Property has generated huge employment, reduced poverty and created enormous wealth for nations. Nigeria as a leading emerging economy has embarked on an aggressive drive for foreign direct investment and an ambitious National Development Plan. Given the role of IP as a tool for economic growth and development, the goals set out by Nigeria will be better realised where there is conducive environment for the protection and enforcement of IP rights. The activities mapped out to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Commission are also mainly tailored to increase the level of awareness on IP and highlight the importance of IP in development.

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

 

AWARENESS WALK

 

The Awareness Walk for the “Protection of Intellectual Property Rights” will be carried out at the Abuja Head Office of the Commission and in five Regional Offices of the Commission in Lagos, Enugu, Benin, Kano and Kaduna within the month of August. It will involve walking through the major streets in the above designated states and Abuja. Participants at the Walk will be staff of the Commission, stakeholders, top Government officials and supporters of copyright.

 

Objective:

 

The essence of the Walk is to create awareness on copyright and Intellectual Property amongst members of the public.

 

Activity

Time & Date

Venue

Anniversary Walk for the “Protection of Intellectual Property Rights”

Abuja Office

Date: Tuesday 25th August, 2009

Time:  8:00am

Take-off point: Eagle Square, Abuja

Lagos, Enugu, Benin, Kano & Kaduna Regional Offices

Date : Tuesday 25th August, 2009

Time: 8:00am

Take-off point shall be the premises of the Regional offices.

 

 

                     

ANNIVERSARY LECTURE

 

An Anniversary Lecture on the theme “Intellectual Property & Development” will be held as the zenith of the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Commission. The Lecture which will be delivered by Dr. Francis Gurry, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), an agency of the United Nations Organisation responsible for Intellectual Property, will also feature an exhibition of Visual Arts.

 

The Anniversary Lecture, will have in attendance: The Leadership of the National Assembly; the Judiciary; Members of the Federal Executive Council; Ambassadors/High Commissioners; Chief Executive of Federal Parastatals; Captains of Industries; Industry Players; Leadership of stakeholder Associations; and International Development Partners.

 

Objectives:

 

The objectives of the Lecture are to: (i) emphasise the importance of Intellectual Property Rights protection as a potential tool for economic development and wealth creation especially in this era of global economic meltdown; (ii) reposition Intellectual Property Rights as the pivot of national economic planning; (iii) showcase the visual arts work of our creative talents; and (iv) mobilise domestic and foreign direct investment to Nigeria.

 

 

Activity

Theme

Guest Speaker

Time & Date

Venue

(i)  20th Anniversary Lecture

(ii) Visual Arts Exhibition

Intellectual Property and Development

Dr Francis Gurry,   Director-General, World Intellectual Property Organisation(WIPO),

Geneva.

9:00a.m; Tuesday, September 1, 2009.                                                          

 

Grand Ballroom, Nicon Luxury, Abuja

 

 

GALA/AWARD NIGHT

 

The Gala/Award Night is also part of the activities to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Commission and will hold on the evening of the 20th Anniversary Lecture. The Gala/Award Night will feature recognition of those who have contributed to the development of Copyright in Nigeria, presentation of awards and certificate to winners of a National Essay Competition among Secondary Schools in Nigeria and award to deserving Members of Staff of the Commission.

                                                                                  

Objectives:

 

The objectives of the Gala/Award Night are to: (i) rekindle the interest of our youths on the need to be creative as well as promote the essence of protecting creativity through rewarding winners of the Essay Competition; (ii) recognize contributors to copyright development in Nigeria; (iii) reward hard work and dedication to duty.

 

 

Activity

Time & Date

Venue

Gala/Award Night

 

6:30p.m; Tuesday, September 1, 2009.                                                          

 

Grand Ballroom, Nicon Luxury, Abuja

Note: attendance is strictly by invitation