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AVRS successfully holds 8th Annual General Meeting in Lagos

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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.

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Fathia Balogun In Gay Mood as son graduates with first class from UNILAG

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6 days ago

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January 15, 2025

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Nollywood actress Faithia Williams celebrates her son, Khalid Balogun, who graduates with a first-class degree from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Taking to Instagram to share the joyous moment, Faithia posted a photo of Khalid along with a heartfelt message expressing her overwhelming joy and gratitude.

The proud mother praised her son’s dedication and perseverance, attributing his academic success to hard work and resilience. She also offered prayers for his continued achievements, wishing him happiness and fulfillment as he embarks on a new chapter in life.

In her post, Faithia wrote:
“Hmm, I’m short of words… Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! My darling son, @khalidgram__, I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I celebrate your incredible achievement! You’ve worked tirelessly and persevered through the challenges, and today, you’ve emerged with a FIRST CLASS DEGREE from the University of Lagos’ Creative Department!

“Alhamdulillah, my heart is bursting with pride and love for you, my darling son! As you embark on this new journey, I ask that you continue to be guided by faith, courage, and determination.”

Faithia’s heartfelt post not only highlights her son’s academic excellence but also reflects her unwavering support as a mother.

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Seun Oloketuyi Appointed as Member of the Advisory Board for Kaduna International Film Festival

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6 days ago

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January 14, 2025

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I am pleased to announce my appointment as a member of the advisory board for the Kaduna International Film Festival. This honor is a recognition of my contributions to the growth and development of Nollywood and the African creative industry at large.

 

The Kaduna International Film Festival, established in 2018, has been a beacon of cultural promotion, tourism, youth empowerment, and peace-building in northern Nigeria. As the first international film festival in the region, it continues to bridge the gap in the northern film and creative industry, fostering inclusion and growth across the nation.

 

I am committed to leveraging my experience and expertise to further the festival’s mission of celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and empowering young creatives. This opportunity serves as a platform to support the festival’s efforts in strengthening the film industry, both in Nigeria and beyond.

 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Kaduna International Film Festival for entrusting me with this role. Together, we will continue to elevate the creative industry and showcase the best of Nigerian talent to the world.

 

Signed:

Seun Oloketuyi

Founder Best of Nollywood Awards Chairman Advisory board Bon Awards and Advisory Board Member,

Kaduna International Film Festival

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‘Prison not pleasant,’ Bobrisky begs Burna Boy to pardon Speed Darlington

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7 days ago

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January 13, 2025

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Controversial crossdresser Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, has appealed to Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy to forgive fellow entertainer Darlington Okoye, also known as Speed Darlington, and to facilitate his release from prison.

In a series of posts on his Instagram story on Sunday, Bobrisky expressed concern about Speed Darlington’s welfare, urging Burna Boy to forgive him and arguing that 45 days in prison should suffice as punishment.

Bobrisky wrote, “I just want to mind my business this year and stay away from anything involving Nigerian celebrities, but my soft heart won’t stop me from thinking about many things.

“Please, Burna Boy, forgive Speed. Prison is not a nice place. I don’t think he has the money for the VIP section because it’s expensive.

“None of these people I’m using my platform to stand for did the same for me when it was my time. But you know what? Our hearts are different. I can’t stand seeing human beings hurt. I pray, Burna, please release him. Forty-five days in prison is enough punishment.”

Bobrisky also criticised fans for enabling Speed Darlington’s controversial behaviour and stressed the need for followers to hold celebrities accountable for their actions.

He added, “Fans, learn how to tell your favourites the truth when they are crossing the line. You all were applauding Speed when he was saying unpleasant things. Now, none of you is in prison with him.”

Speed Darlington was arrested in October 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking Burna Boy.

The singer was initially arrested in Lagos and transferred to Abuja, where he was detained by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team in the Guzape area of Abuja.

After being released from police custody, he was re-arrested in November while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State, just days after returning to the country.

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