WIPO Awareness Raising Seminar Report
The WIPO Awareness Raising Seminar, proudly sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was successfully held on February 12, 2024, in Abuja.
This important seminar marked the flag-off of a sensitization campaign aimed at promoting awareness on access to knowledge resources for persons who are print disabled.
Attendance and Participation
The event witnessed a strong turnout of participants, including members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, particularly persons who are print disabled. Also present were dignitaries from various government ministries, as well as media professionals who contributed to amplifying the message of inclusion and accessibility.
Notable attendees included:
- The President of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, who delivered a keynote remark during the seminar
- The Education Committee Chairman of the Association
- A representative of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
- The Resource Person, Dr. Christopher Nwanoro
- Representatives from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including:
- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
- Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria)
- National Commission for Colleges of Education
- The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities
Theme of the Seminar
The seminar was centered on the theme:
“Access to Digital and Non-Digital Materials for Persons Who Are Print Disabled.”
This topic addressed a critical issue affecting individuals with visual impairments and other print disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive access to information.
Keynote Address by Dr. Christopher Nwanoro
The theme was expertly delivered by Dr. Christopher Nwanoro, a former Ambassador to India and a person with visual impairment. In his address, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that persons who are print disabled have adequate access to reading materials in both digital and non-digital formats.
He further stressed the need to make these materials affordable, noting that accessibility without affordability limits true inclusion.
Advocacy from Association Leadership
The President of the Association, Stanley Onyebuchi Nnamdi, also lent his voice to the advocacy. He called for policies and initiatives that would ensure reading materials are subsidized and easily accessible to persons who are print disabled.
Similarly, the Education Committee Chairman, Umar Ibrahim Abubakar, urged the government to take proactive steps in reducing the challenges faced by individuals in accessing essential learning resources.
Goodwill Messages and Closing Highlights
Dignitaries present at the seminar delivered goodwill messages, reinforcing the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and government support in addressing the needs of persons who are print disabled.
The event concluded on a vibrant note, with participants engaging in networking and group photographs, marking the successful completion of the seminar.
Conclusion
The WIPO Awareness Raising Seminar served as a vital platform for dialogue, advocacy, and action toward improving access to knowledge for persons with print disabilities. It stands as a significant step toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.
