The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has called on stakeholders to strengthen the culture of reading and uphold copyright protection as part of activities marking World Book and Copyright Day 2026.
The President and Chairman of Council of the association, Lukman Dauda, made the call in a statement in Ibadan on Thursday to commemorate the annual event observed every April 23.
Dauda said the day was set aside globally to celebrate books, authors, publishers and readers, as well as the enduring value of knowledge in society.
He described books as critical tools for preserving culture, inspiring imagination and shaping societies, noting that they remained one of humanity’s greatest inventions.
“Books are not merely products of paper and ink; they are vessels of education, memory, creativity and progress,” he said.
According to him, despite rapid technological advancements and the rise of digital communication, books, whether in print or digital formats, continue to provide depth, reflection and context.
He added that books play a vital role in promoting critical thinking and empowering individuals with knowledge capable of transforming lives.
The NPA president also stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property, describing copyright as a recognition of creativity and ownership.
“Respecting copyright ensures that authors, publishers and other creative professionals are fairly rewarded for their work and encourages innovation within the industry,” he said.
Dauda noted that the global publishing ecosystem was evolving in response to changing reader preferences and emerging technologies, but maintained that societies that read are better positioned for growth and development.
He said that in Nigeria, the publishing industry remained central to nation-building through the preservation of indigenous languages, documentation of history and provision of educational resources.
The NPA, therefore, urged educators, policymakers, parents, students, writers, booksellers, librarians and readers to renew their commitment to literacy and the protection of creative works.
“Supporting books means supporting knowledge, while respecting copyright means respecting creativity.
“Books remain bridges between generations, voices across time, and companions in the pursuit of
knowledge.
“Today, we celebrate not only books, but also the people who create them, preserve
them, publish them, and read them.
Happy World Book and Copyright Day,” he said.
Dauda expressed hope that the commemoration would inspire a renewed appreciation for books and promote a society where reading is encouraged and creative works are protected.
