The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has joined the literary world in wishing the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka a happy 90th birthday celebrations.
The commission in a Goodwill Message signed by its Director-General, Dr. John O. Asein, decribed Soyinka as a living Iroko in the forest of a thousand literary giants.
According to the message released on Saturday July 13 being the date of the 90th Birthday of Soyinka, Dr. Asein said, “On behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, I join the global community to felicitate with our Nobel Laureate, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 90th Birthday.
“As a playwright, essayist, music composer and film producer, Professor Wole Soyinka has a special place in our hearts and remains a major stakeholder in the copyright sector. Amongst many other things, he is also a frontline human rights defender, an environmentalist, a promoter of education, a lover of humanity and a positive change-agent that has left his mark at every phase in Nigeria’s history as an independent State.”
Asein said all through his adult life, Soyinka has demonstrated uncommon and unwavering commitment to building a society in which fairness, justice and citizen well-being are guaranteed.
“He remains a symbol of strength and courage in a world in dire need of a voice and represents the can-do spirit of the black race.
“As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this great Nigerian, we recall his message at this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, reminding us about the negative effect of copyright piracy and the need for governments to appreciate copyright as a “corner stone in the intellectual edifice of humanity, across nations, races, faiths, cultures and histories.
“We cherish his contributions to nation building. In return we hold ourselves to the highest standard of service and renew our commitment to build a better copyright system in which creators and the creative industry thrive.
“Our sincere best wishes for long life in good health and soundness of mind go out on this momentous occasion to the tallest living iroko in Nigeria’s literary forest. May he continue to grow strong in the forest of a thousand literary giants.
“Happy 90th birthday to our own W.S. and Copyright Change Champion!”