Opinion I Still On 2018 World Book And Copyright Day

 

WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY IN FOCUS

        

Today, Monday, April 23, the world over is commemorating the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day. It was on this day – April 23 in the year 1616 that some prominent authors including Cervantes, Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso Vega left the world; it is also the date of birth or death of other global literary icons like Maurice Druon, Haldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejia Vallejo.  

         

It was a natural choice for the General Conference of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date in order to encourage everyone, particularly young people, to discover the pleasure of reading as well as gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this regard, UNESCO created the World Book and Copyright Day.

         

A book is a collection of pieces of paper comprising a set of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets made of ink, parchment and other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. In the same vein, copyright can be defined as the legal prerogative of ownership and exclusive distribution of any creative work such as article, book, music or movie originally done by a person or a group of persons.

         

On the other hand, plagiarism is the illicit practice of using or copying someone else’s idea or creative work and the impersonation of its ownership. In other words, plagiarism is an unauthorized and unlawful faking or imitation of thoughts or works that are already legally credited to a person or group. Suffice to say; plagiarism, which is popularly known as piracy, is a criminal act that is punishable by law.

          

A book could be majorly classified into two namely, academic and literary. An academic book is one that is written on a certain subject or about a particular area whilst a literary book is mainly a creative work that is written with the knowledge of literature. Irrespective of its class, just as anything under the sun can be identified by one or two idiosyncrasies, the unique or basic features of any book include the content, authorship, the ISBN, its title and cover page, among others.

          

No doubt, every book has a unique content regardless of its size or number of pages. Likewise a movie or music, a book may go beyond a particular edition or version, hence can transcend to additional two or more editions based on the choice of the author or the kind of message intended to be conveyed by it. The content of any book is expected to be original; in the sense that, it must be the initiative of the acclaimed author/writer.

         

Also, any book must be authored by one or two persons and as long as the book lasts, the specified author(s) remain the rightful owner of the intellectual property. Needless to say; no part of such publication would be reproduced or translated to any other language, or even transmitted in any form or by any means without the authorization or written permission of the author or publisher as the case might be.

         

The International Serial Book Number (ISBN) is another unique feature or mode of identification of any book. The ISBN of a published compilation, which is widely regarded as its individual identification number, is the only globally recognized means of identifying a text-filled book. Thus, any published book is entitled to a certain ISBN which will never be allocated or assigned to any other publication across the globe. Even if the book in question is expected to have a subsequent edition/version in future, each of the additional editions, when published, would be entitled to different ISBNs.

          

Furthermore, the title and the cover page of a book speak volumes as regards its identification; though in some cases, like in the movie or music sector, two books authored by different writers might coincidentally comprised of the same or similar title. In a situation of coincidence of titles or where two/more publications of different authors comprise the same title, the books involved would be contrasted by the names of the respective authors. 

         

Aside other features of a book, it is noteworthy that, its title and cover page are the major recipes that attract the target audience, especially in a situation where the name of the author is relatively new in the system. This is the reason most notable authors pay much attention while creating a title for their works. Due to the significance or delicacy attached to titling of a book or any creative work, sometimes the title of a work in progress may be yet to be created by the author/inventor until the work is duly completed.

         

Taking a painstaking consideration of the aforementioned features of a book, there is no gain reiterating the fact that book publication is all about creativity. Surely, it is obvious that every aspect of book compilation coupled with its publication cum printing thoroughly deals with originality which is the basic element of any creative work.

         

Apparently, the societal impact of a book cannot be overemphasized. It is through a book that a literate society is formed; it is through a book that an awaited civilized society is actualized; through a book, an intellectual group can be created; of course through a book, the socio-economic level of a nation can be uplifted or boosted; it is through a book that a nation can actualized its utmost desire; and  it is through a book that a leader can be made; above all, it is a book that can guarantee optimum peace and unity in any society.

        

This is why those who are widely read such as the likes of late Marcus Tullius Cicero and Jane Austen would always tell you that “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Or that “A person, be it gentleman or lady, who has no pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.” It was the late Jorge Luis Borges that said “I have always imagined that paradise would be a kind of library.” In the same vein, Lemony Snicket stated “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

         

Considering the indelible role of a book in any society, there is need to fiercely safeguard the copyright of a book or any other creative work such as music or movie. Against this backdrop, as the world commemorates the World Book and Copyright Day, I enjoin every group in Nigeria concerning authorship such as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Literacy Society (NLS), and many others to join in the crusade towards the complete eradication of plagiarism which has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society.

         

The production of fake works which is on the rampage in Nigeria is solely attributed to the ongoing alarming pace of plagiarism. It is longer news that plagiarism has indeed endangered the wellbeing of millions of creative persons across the globe thereby constituting apathy among prospective writers or artistes as the case may be. This singular fact is the reason many incoming/potential creative individuals have chosen to remain idle rather than embarking on a venture that would end-up being futile and worthless.  

         

So, as the global community marks the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day, the ANA and other indigenous authorship associations are expected to form a synergy with other related societies such as the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) with a view to fighting the scourge squarely.

        

In view of this, the concerned groups ought to carry out a holistic campaign towards conscientizing the legislators to enact a strict law that would assign capital punishment to anyone found guilty of any form of piracy by any court of competent jurisdiction. The time to act is now. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador            

ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive (II)

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE (II)

        Afam was seated adjacent to the couple who was making use of the only two-in-one upholstery chair in the lounge. The couple was dressed in Pyjamas of different colour patterns while Afam put on dark-blue jeans, purple T-shirt spotted with strips of white colour as well as black shoes.

        Ujunwa stood up, leaving only Chief Okeke in the seat. “So what do we offer you?” She asked Afam.

       “Don’t bother yourself, ma.”

       “How?” she said. “You don’t care for any drink?”

       “No ma.” Afam responded, waving his right hand.

       “Afam, what did you mean you don’t care for any drink?” Chief Okeke quarreled, frowning.

       “I am Okay, sir.”

       “What about food?” Ujunwa chipped in, stood still. “Or, have you taken your breakfast?”

       “Ma, I am Okay.” reiterated Afam. “Thank you very much.” He added, smiling in false pretence.

          It was obvious that the young man wasn’t looking bright. He conspicuously seemed pale.

        “Na wa ooh!” Ujunwa exclaimed, calmly went back to her seat.

        “Afam,” Chief Okeke called. “You don’t look happy.” He observed.

         His wife nodded in agreement.

        “What is wrong with you?’ quoth Chief Okeke.

        “Sir, that is why I am here.”

         The couple looked each other in surprise on hearing the last clause. “Madam, please excuse us.” Chief Okeke urged.

         It appeared the chief host was already aware of what was on Afam’s mind. Sure, even a blind man could spot the bitterness written on the latter’s physiognomy.

         On receiving the request, Ujunwa hurriedly stood up and walked to her matrimonial room leaving only the two in the parlour.

         Afam abruptly became mute as he sat quietly in his seat, couldn’t utter a word.

        “Is it about your trade?” Chief Okeke guessed.

         Afam looked at him amazingly. “How did you know, sir?”

         Chief Okeke smiled. “Because I saw it coming.” He succintly replied.

        “Saw it coming…?” uttered Afam. “How, sir?”

        “Never mind, my boy.”

          There was absolute silence at this moment.

        “Sir,” Afam truncated the silence. “My business is really giving me troubles.”

        “Like I said earlier,” quoth Chief Okeke. “I saw it coming.”

        “I don’t understand, sir.” Afam said, profoundly confused.

         Chief Okeke became speechless. “Afam,” he eventually broke the muteness. “There is more you need to know about this trade.” He disclosed hesitantly.

         Chief Okeke who was densely rich was a member of an occult confraternity, but Afam was not yet aware. And the tradition of the cult was that any apprentice who was settled by any of its members having concluded his apprenticeship would never be successful in his trade unless he joined the group.

         Afam quickly left his seat for that of his boss, sat very closely to him. “Sir, is there anything you are not telling me?” He anxiously enquired.

        “Meet me tomorrow at Braxton Hotel,” Chief Okeke enjoined. “Room 116.” He supplemented in a jiffy.

         Afam was shocked. He apparently least expected the invitation.

         Braxton Hotel was one of the most exotic hotels in the city. Afam was yet to know how its interior parts looked like because he had never been privileged to be there.

       “We need to talk.” Chief Okeke landed.

                            * * * * * *

       “Young man, remove your shirt,” the Grand Master of The Classic mandated Afam in a thick and frightening voice. “For you are in the presence of Ogbojiji.” He added.

       ‘The Classic’ was the name of the confraternity in question. ‘Ogbojiji happened to be the name of the god or the Supreme Being worshipped by the members of the cult.

        This was taking place at about some minutes past eight at night of Wednesday June 29, 2011 – exactly three days, or the fourth night, after Chief Okeke met with Afam at the ‘Braxton Hotel’. During that meeting, Chief Okeke succeeded in cajoling him into joining the secret society.

        There were about seventeen men, including Chief Okeke, uniformly clad in black overall in the enclosed hall. They were all on their feet creating two parallel lines among themselves, and were facing each other as the tradition demanded. The two lines were about two metres apart. The arena was undoubtedly fearful that even the blind could testify to it.

         Afam, a plump, chocolate and about 1.7-metre dude who wore corporate native attire, hastily complied with the directive.

         Chief Okeke who stood directly opposite Afam, nodded in appreciation to Afam’s knee jerk reaction.

        “Come forward, my son.” the Grand Master as he was addressed, urged.        
         “It is time for you to be cleansed and duly initiated into the big family of Ogbojiji.”

         Afam immediately stepped toward the beast-like creature (the grand master) that was standing ahead of the group and was equally facing the entire members.

         The initiation, which was accompanied with series of incantations, lasted for several minutes.

         “My son,” said the Grand Master. “Congratulations!” He excitedly applauded the moment Afam went back to his initial position.

          There was some seconds’ silence afterwards.

        “By this time tomorrow,” he proceeded. “You shall bring your mother to Ogbojiji for the final ritual rite.” He ordered, pointing at a huge basin filled with water that was positioned at the centre of the gathering.

         The white-coloured container was displaying the image of Afam’s mum to his greatest shock. It’s noteworthy that the master pointed at it with the symbol of authority he held in his right hand.

         Afam who became astonished on hearing the demand, couldn’t believe his ears as well as eyes. It was like a mere joke until the reality dawned upon his person.

         Prior to this period, right from when his boss joined the cult about fifteen years back, he had sacrificed his both parents and two siblings apart from the non-members of his family he offered as requested by the confraternity. More so, based on the cult’s norm, he – likewise other members – was not entitled to have or boast of any male child.

        After several days, in spite of the series of importunities from Chief Okeke, Afam insisted not to comply with the weird and ungodly request. He remained resolute to the extent that he began to avoid his boss who was functioning as the cult’s delegate or intermediary.

        Two weeks on, having exhausted the grace given to him by the occult group, the fugitive who felt not unlike taking his own life was eventually overtaken by madness.

        The rest is history, please.

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I The Offa Robbery And Nigeria's Worry

THE OFFA ROBBERY AND NIGERIA’S WORRY

        

I almost concluded that bank cum highway robbery had become a thing of the past in every facet of Nigeria not until two weeks back when I was proven wrong by the unspeakable that befell the country.

         

In the period in review – precisely on Thursday 5^th April 2018 – in broad daylight, a gang of well armed robbers serially invaded five different commercial banks alongside a micro-finance bank in Offa town situated in Kwara State, the home state of the country’s number three citizen Sen. Bukola Saraki.

         

The affected financial institutions included Eco, Guaranty Trust, First, Union, and Zenith banks. The firms weren’t just invaded but were equally robbed by the invaders. In the process, many were reportedly murdered, several individuals maimed and injured while others managed to escape for their dear lives. It’s noteworthy that some of the police personnel on duty were part of those brutally killed.

        

It was gathered that the culprits’ ammunition outshined that of the policemen guarding the various banks. According to the ugly report, the robbers were said to be armed with firearms like machine gun, magazine and other related weapons whereas the police officers could at most boast of AK-47 and its likes.

         

The police had informed that thus far some of the criminals had been apprehended as the government had vowed to ensure that every person involved in the dastardly act is duly arrested and prosecuted without much ado. This implies that as other suspects are still at large, there’s apparently no hidden place for each of them.

         

It is indeed hard to believe that in the contemporary Nigerian society, six different financial institutions were successfully invaded and robbed in broad daylight by a certain group of miscreants. It becomes more mind-boggling when realized that the disaster took place in an era when the apex government had ostensibly considered security as priority.

        

Whatever the case might be, it’s pertinent to painstakingly dissect the Offa incident towards reaching a tangible conclusion. Every discerning mind would comprehend that the affected firms were not robbed simultaneously. It is also very crucial to take into cognizance that we are currently passing through a digital age; an era when even a kid could easily assess telecommunication; a period that makes a distance amounting to various kilometres seem so short.

       

The above paragraph is trying to notify us that the concerned security outfits were so sluggish or reluctant towards responding to the robbery attack. Let’s assume the security men on duty were overpowered as claimed. But it will be difficult to assume or believe, as the case may be, that the various security authorities domiciled in the affected state were equally engulfed by the attacked.

        

For six banks to be robbed one after the other is enough indication that there is a serious lapse as regards curtailing the numerous lingering security challenges not just in Kwara but across the lengths and breadth of Nigeria. The pace in which the police respond to distress call is exactly where the Nigeria’s worry lies.

         

However, since apportioning blames cannot solve our plight or would rather result in further crisis, there’s need for us to focus on the way forward. It is indisputable that no existing bank in Nigeria lacks the CCT camera, hence the need for us to concur with the government’s avowal that there’s no hidden place for the culprits.

        

Though the said device would serve as an aid in capturing each of the suspects, those that have already been apprehended would further assist in providing the consequential details surrounding the ones still on the run.

       

More so, for apt deterrent to be served, adequate prosecution mustn’t be overlooked. The crusade ought not to stop at just capturing the entire fugitives. The concerned authorities must further ensure that the jury’s verdict is duly served, and such needn’t be delayed if we are truly determined to serve a placebo to the people.

       

Similarly, as we eagerly await justice, we can’t shy away from asserting that Nigeria is equally deeply worried over how lowly equipped her security outfits are at the moment. Against this backdrop, the governments at all levels are required to henceforth lay emphasis on how best the personnel that have been mandated to safeguard the people’s lives and property can be armed with a view to rendering effective and efficient services in their respective jurisdictions.

       

Above all, the benefitting companies must on their part endeavour to materially, and otherwise, support the security outfits – particularly the police – so there won’t be any room for excuse when any unfortunate/unforeseen circumstance befalls them. They shouldn’t leave all responsibilities for the government, because the latter cannot handle it alone.

        

It is part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) of these firms, especially the financial ones that are more in need of security services, to from time to time extend hands of fellowship to the law enforcement agencies in question, mainly in the area of equipment procurement and workers’ incentives.

       

It’s therefore needless to reiterate that all hands are expected to be on deck towards boosting the country’s security system. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador