Connect with us

Entertainment

AVRS successfully holds 8th Annual General Meeting in Lagos

Published

on

 

The Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) successfully held its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Zone, Gbagada Expressway, Lagos. The event addressed key matters essential to the Company’s continued growth and sustainability.

The AGM’s agenda focused on four critical issues:

 

Approval of Financial Statements: The society’s audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023, along with the auditor’s and directors’ reports, were presented and adopted. The external auditor, Olukayode Timehim & Co, provided the audit report, reflecting strong financial oversight.

 

Review of Auditor Engagement: Members discussed the auditor’s position and authorised the Board to make any necessary changes and determine their remuneration.

Board Elections: Four vacant seats on the Management Board were filled through elections conducted in line with the organization’s Articles of Association. Two incumbent directors, including the Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun and Chief Peddie Okao, were re-elected after retiring, while two new directors, Lancelot Imaseun and Nafisat Abdullahi, joined the Board.

 

Authorization for Royalty Distribution: Approval was granted to carry out distribution as soon as practicable in accordance with Article 16 of the society’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

 

The chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, presented a report on distributions between January 2023 and March 2024, revealing that over N45 million in royalties had been distributed to members with verified account information.

 

He also highlighted AVRS’s efforts to engage with users of audiovisual works, focusing on hotels and other similar establishments. “Our partnership with hotel associations in Lagos and Abuja, through group licensing agreements, has enabled smoother operations and fostered mutual understanding,” the chairman stated. These agreements, expiring in December, are already under renegotiation to align with market developments and industry needs. He commended the President of Hotel Owners & Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL), Chief Samuel Alabi for the continued compliance of its members to AVRS licensing obligations.

On enforcement efforts, Mr. Ali-Balogun detailed AVRS’s collaboration with the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to ensure compliance from non-cooperative hotels, particularly in Abuja.

 

“Enforcement actions, though challenging and costly, are essential to uphold the rights of our members and protect the value of their works,” he remarked.

 

In a significant development, the chairman confirmed progress on the Private Copying Levy, with substantial funds already collected and awaiting distribution to relevant Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) and rightsholders.

 

Members commended the Board and management for their dedication and sacrifice and expressed appreciation for the chairman’s exemplary leadership throughout the year.

 

Apart from the returning AVRS Directors, Alh.Sani Muazu, Prince Jide Kosoko, Monalisa Chinda, Barr. Norbert Ajaegbu, Chief Rotimi Aina-Kushoro, Yemi Solade, Tunji Ojetola and Mrs. Bukola Adeyemi (GM); the general meeting featured the presence of many film industry heavyweights, including Zeb Ejiro, Emeka Ossai, Zik Zulu Okafor, Mike Nliam, Abdulrazak Abdullahi, Toyin Uthman, Lekan Oyegoke, Banke Ajani, Alex Eyengho and Francis Onwochei, who anchored the AGM with AVRS Consultant, Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji.

 

Representatives from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), led by Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, Director of the Lagos Office; Mr. Adeniyi Ologun Director General, HOMAL representing the President and reps of the media were also in attendance.

Entertainment

Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

Published

on

By

 

 

Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

Published

on

By

Continue Reading

Entertainment

COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

Published

on

By

 

It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

Continue Reading

Trending