The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it will partner with creative agencies and associations to promote creativity in correctional centres across the country.
The Director-General (DG) of NCC, Dr John Asein, gave the hint when he paid a courtesy visit to the Controller-General (CG) of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa.
A statement by the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Augustine Amodu, quoted Asein as saying that the initiative was part of the statutory mandate of the NCC.
“It is part of our renewed drive to encourage the use of copyright to grow the creative sector,” the statement further quoted the DG as saying.
He explained that the commission had concluded plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through creative activities.
The statement listed the stakeholder to include the Nigerian Publishers Association(NPA), Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA), Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria(PMAN) and the Society of Nigerian Artists.
“The drive will help keep the inmates constructively engaged, inspire hope in them, help to develop positive life-changing attitudes and hone their life-effectiveness skills.
“The programme will introduce inmates to new value systems and role models that would make them more mentally ready and less likely to become offenders after serving their terms,” Asein said.
The DG further explained that apart from strengthening the creative skills of inmates in various sectors, the commission would promote reading by working with Nigerian publishers and authors to donate books to libraries in correctional centres.
He added that the NCC would also collaborate with NPA and ANA to organise creative writing competitions with prizes and the prospects of getting the best works from the competition published.
In his response, Nababa appreciated NCC’s efforts at encouraging creativity, describing the commission as an indispensable gem in the country’s economic growth.
Nababa, who was represented by the Deputy Controller-General (DCG) in charge of Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed optimism that the partnership would yield favourable results.
He added that it would further boost the redefined mandates of NCoS for the holistic reform, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
According to Nababa, there are countless talents in correctional facilities across the country that would benefit from the proposed partnership.
“The NCoS has already put in place a Technical Team for the implementation of the partnership,” he announced.
In attendance at the visit were top management staff of both agencies.