GLOBAL COMMUNITY MARKS WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY

Nigeria today joins the global community to mark World Intellectual Property Day.The day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, in April 26, 2000. The day was declared to raise awareness on how patents copyright, trade marks and designs impact on daily life as well as to celebrate creativity and the contributions made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.

An Author and Publisher, Enugu State College of Education Technical, Mr. Chidi Ozochi, who spoke on the significance of the day, noted that intellectual property across the country had been relegated as there were no stringent measures from the government to protect and promote intellectual works. Mr. Ozochi identified piracy as one of the major setbacks affecting intellectuals in the country, adding that future generations might lose interest in creativity and innovation if pirates were not checked.

A Public Affairs Analyst and National Chairman, Association for the survival of Igbo Language and Culture, Mr. Chinedum Offormata, explained that intellectuals such as musicians, writers, Artists and  film makers deserved to be properly placed as Nigerians still tap from their creative and innovative ability. The theme of this year’s event is “Innovation, Improving Lives.”

EVELYN AWUNOR