CBAAC, WIPO collaborate to protect Nigerians’ intellectual rights

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed to collaborate on the promotion of Intellectual property (IP) rights and protection for creative goods and services, especially among young creatives in Nigeria.

The understanding was reached during a recent working visit by the Director-General of CBAAC, Aisha Augie, to the Country Director, WIPO Nigeria, Dr Oluwatobiloba Moody, in Abuja, Nigeria.

She said the move was part of strategies to build synergies and harness the enormous potential of the creative economy sector in Nigeria.

Augie stated that CBAAC acknowledges IP as a major player and stakeholder in the creative economy and its role in unleashing the potential of creativity and making creators benefit from their work, adding that the FESTAC’77 Archive housed by CBAAC has boundless opportunities for authentic storytelling.

In his remarks, Mr. Moody expressed delight at the opportunities that the creative economy offers for the growth and development and equally noted the invaluable archival collections and rich cultural materials of FESTAC’77 at CBAAC’s disposal.

He further emphasised WIPO’s commitment to working closely with CBAAC towards telling authentic stories that speak to the creativities of the African people.

Dr Oluwatobilola assured that WIPO is committed to expanding knowledge, creating awareness and opportunities, and strategic use of IP for economic, social, and cultural development in Nigeria.