Connect with us

Entertainment

COSON CALLS FOR THE RESIGNATION OF THE ACTING CHIEF JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT, ABDUL KAFARATI

Published

7 years ago

on

Members of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) who have since January 15, 2018 been protesting at different Federal High Court locations across Nigeria have called for the resignation of the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati, for his role in what COSON has called ‘a frightening new assault on the Nigerian Judiciary and an attempt to turn the Nigeria music industry into a gold mine belonging to no one, from where those who have made no investments nor contributions to the industry can cart away illicit billions of Naira while the true creators and investors in the industry languish in penury’.

Addressing a mammoth world press conference at COSON House in Ikeja on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of COSON on behalf of the society said that it is the position of COSON that Justice Abdul Kafarati should not be confirmed as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. According to the words read by Okoroji, “it is clear to any serious observer that the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati, is being played like a tambourine and has become the turntable through which much of this very bad music is coming out of the Federal High Court, an important national institution. Justice Kafarati is not in control. If all these can happen while he is in an acting capacity, what will happen if he is made the substantive Chief Judge?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-WcAjCrVyw

Stressing the resolve of COSON, Chief Okoroji said, “We will continue to protest until the arm twisting and blackmailing of Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos is brought to an end, the Federal High Court of Nigeria is left free to do justice to all men as the judges deem fit and the Attorney–General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami is stopped from further meddling in the affairs of the Nigerian music industry.

“We will deploy our voices, drums, cymbals, trumpets, guitars and every other musical instrument available to us and we will employ our talents in our protest until the whole world hears us.

“We will continue this indefinite protest until the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is returned to the supervision of the Minister charged with responsibility for culture as expressly provided in Section 51 of the Nigerian Copyright Act”.

Decrying the recent award of the sum of almost N6 billion against Mutichoice Nigeria to the group known as Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) which is facing seven pending criminal cases at the Federal High Court and which the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami ordered the Nigerian Copyright Commission to approve in 2017, despite the protest of the NCC, Chief Okoroji said that the development is bizarre because at the time the purported infringement took place, MCSN was not an approved collecting society and that there is a plethora of Court of Appeal decisions stating that without approval, MCSN cannot collect royalties in Nigeria.

Okoroji also said that a number of the works said to have been infringed are works in the repertoire controlled by COSON for which Multichoice Nigeria has obtained a legitimate license. Chief Okoroji said that COSON has received reactions from some of its international affiliates wondering what the hell is going on in Nigeria as some of the works for which MCSN was said to have received the award belong to these COSON affiliates and at no time did they assign the works to MCSN.

He asked for a precedent for the kind of award against Multichoice asking that if a single Nigerian company providing employment to hundreds if not thousands of Nigerian citizens can be said to liable up to the whopping sum of 6 billion Naira for copyright infringement in the broadcast of 18 songs then it would require the entire national budget of Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt to pay for the entire Multichoice content.

Asked the celebrated former president of PMAN, “For a nation that continuously says that it badly wants direct foreign investment, which rational person would want to come and invest his money in Nigeria and expose himself to this kind of frightful shake down?”

Chief Tony Okoroji who is one of Africa’s most respected authorities on Intellectual Property said, “Some of us have spent practically our entire adult lives campaigning for the respect for intellectual property rights in our country. Our campaign has been for a responsible intellectual property system. Rather than help the collective management of copyright in Nigeria, the kind of shake down of Multichoice which will ruin entire companies will turn decent people against the collective management of copyright and hurt our industry and our country. After Mutichoice, who will be next?”

At the Press Conference, COSON called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Mr. Abubakar Malami to order. The society also called on the National Judicial Council and the National Assembly to ensure that there is a full and transparent probe of what is happening at both the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal High Court.

COSON has also asked the Federal Executive Council to direct the immediate return of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to the supervision of the Minister charged with responsibility for culture as expressly provided in Section 51 of the Nigerian Copyright Act so that the Commission can be properly deployed to the promotion of the Nigerian creative industry instead of being a tool for the pursuit of devious schemes as it is presently being deployed.

The society promised that on the issues, there will be no retreat and no surrender. One of the highlights of the Press Conference was the live presentation by Reggae Star, King Wadada of his new song titled ‘Minister of Injustice’ in protest of the undue interference of AGF Abubakar Malami in the music industry. (P:S – The full text of the Chairman’s speech is attached to this mail)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Entertainment

Nigerian Art Icons Lemi Ghariokwu and Ini Dan to be Honored at Ojez Forum on Sunday

Published

2 days ago

on

February 21, 2025

By

 

A celebration of artistic excellence is on the horizon as the February edition of the Ojez Forum pays tribute to two giants of Nigerian art: Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. The event will be held this Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

 

Lemi Ghariokwu, also known as Emmanuel Sunday, is a self-taught Nigerian visual artist celebrated for his distinctive and thought-provoking album cover designs. He is most recognized for his extensive collaboration with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, creating the artwork for 26 of Kuti’s albums. Ghariokwu’s art is distinguished by its vibrant colors, meticulous detail, and socio-political messages, reflecting African identity, activism, and cultural pride. His prolific career includes designing over 2,000 album covers for artists around the globe, including iconic figures such as Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, and Lucky Dube. His work has been showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

Otunba Akang Ini Dan is the Managing Director and CEO of Fodak Production. He is also the founder and chairman of the Sister Heart and Visual Foundation, organizations dedicated to developing artistic talent and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. As Vice President (South West) of the Society for Nigerian Artists, Otunba Dan has been a champion for artists’ rights and a facilitator of platforms for artistic expression.

 

The Ojez Forum is a monthly event that highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Nigeria. This month’s gathering promises to be a special occasion, bringing together artists, enthusiasts, and patrons to celebrate the accomplishments of Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. Attendees can anticipate engaging discussions, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the vibrant landscape of Nigerian art.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

Published

5 days ago

on

February 18, 2025

By

For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping. KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio.” On Monday 24th of February, 2025.

 

This is a game changer at a time Nigeria increased data cost by 50%.

 

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without wasting so much cash on Data. Nigerian shoppers now have options with Konga.com and most importantly rock buttom prices on all items announced live on radio and delivered same day in lagos if orders are placed before 12noon.

 

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on first paid.

 

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers. We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery in Lagos, while we conclude logistics for same day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever. This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24hours every day.

 

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com. A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

 

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

 

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences. The station kicks off each day from 5 -7am with Morning Inspiration, featuring best global gospel music with uplifting words to start you day blessed captioned -Start your Day with God, and same All Sundays. It is inspiring both for Entrepreneurs, students, unemployed, employed and those retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigeria radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFm 103.7 in support of a new economy is also extending Free Advertisement to both big, medium and small businesses to showcase their products. Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email info@kongafm.com

 

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

Published

1 week ago

on

February 15, 2025

By

Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

Continue Reading

Trending