Afam Ezekude, Director General of Nigeria Copyright Commission, say Nigerian women are redefining processes and final outcome of creative expressions in the entertainment industry and should be supported.
He spoke on Thursday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in commemoration of the 2018 World Intellectual Property Day.
Ezekude, in line with this year’s theme: “Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity”, said women are redefining creativity; movies, animation, music, fashion design, sculpture, dance, literature, art, weaving, photography, software development and broadcasting.
The D-G, who also extolled the Nigerian female intellectual property creators and innovators, described them as brilliant, resourceful, result-oriented and game changers driving advancement in various spheres.
He added that they have strived and remain relevant in a male-dominated a creative industry.
According to him, if women were given the necessary support and enabling environment, they will continue to make remarkable contributions to the creative industry, as they have proven in other sectors.
He said: “The important and inspiring contributions of countless women around the globe are powering change in our world.
“Their “can do” attitude is an inspiration to us all, and their remarkable achievements are invaluable legacy for young girls today with aspirations to become the inventors and creators of tomorrow.
“More than ever before, women are taking up leadership roles and making their voices heard in the science, technology, business and the arts.”
Ezekude, who solicited for more support for the women urge all stakeholders to support the ingenuity of such women by ensuring adequate patronage and creating fair playing ground.
The D-G therefore reiterated the commission’s uncompromising stand against piracy in all its forms, to enable creative rights owners to enjoy the rewards for their efforts and creativity.
He added that in keeping with that proposition, the Commission was pushing for reforms of the current Copyright Act.
He said: “This is with a view to creating an enabling environment for a more competitive creative industry that will guarantee opportunities for all in the emerging global digital economy.
“We have continued to maintain a policy of zero tolerance against piracy and other copyright infringements by ensuring tougher sanctions for pirates.”
World Intellectual Property Day as observed annually on 26 April, was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2000, to raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks, designs impact on daily life.
It is also to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and to the development of societies across the globe.
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