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OKOROJI, IN A BLOCKBUSTER “NO MUSIC DAY” BROADCAST, ASKS NIGERIAN CREATIVES TO BECOME GENERALS IN THE BATTLE TO RID NIGERIA OF CORRUPTION & BAD LEADERSHIP

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6 months ago

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Chief Tony Okoroji, former President of PMAN and Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Nigeria’s biggest copyright collective management organization, has called on creatives across Nigeria to become generals and foot soldiers in the battle to rid Nigeria of the rot of corruption and bad leadership.
In a blockbuster 2024 “No Music Day” broadcast streamed simultaneously on several media platforms this Sunday, September 1, 2024, Chief Okoroji said: “To my friends and colleagues in the creative industry, we can no longer hide our heads in the sand and pretend that the battle to wipe out corruption in Nigeria, and enthrone good governance, does not concern us.
“If we have accepted to live with the rot that we see everywhere in Nigeria, we must ask ourselves if it is in this rot that we want our children and grandchildren to grow up.
“So, today, on this “No Music Day” I call on everyone in the Nigerian creative family to become generals and foot soldiers in the battle to rid Nigeria of the rot of corruption and bad leadership. We must deploy our voices, our writings, our movies, skits and drama to lead the war so that when the story is told, it would be clear that we did not run from our responsibilities.
“But, if we are coming to justice, we must come with clean hands. If we are going to fight corruption, we must be sure that we are not corrupt ourselves. If we are fighting bad leadership, we have to be absolutely sure that we are not providing bad leadership ourselves. In other words, we must practice what we preach.
“So, I call on all the organizations in the creative industry to show good examples in the way we operate. Our organizations must be…I say… must be transparent and accountable. I state that no one should assume the leadership of any of our creative industry organizations without an open and clear mandate of the members from a free and fair elections conducted according the rules and constitution of the organization. In each of our organizations, the abiding object must be to uphold and fight for the interest of our members and not the hijacking of the instruments of the organization for the personal enrichment of the leaders. Let me repeat. We must practice what we preach”.
In the broadcast, Chief Okoroji said that the rampant infringement of the intellectual property rights of songwriters, composers, performers, music publishers, record labels and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry does not stand on its own but is part of a national malaise and a penchant in Nigeria for reaping where people did not sow which he alleged has exposed Nigerians to the free for all looting of the nation’s resources and left Nigerians with a comatose economy with millions of her citizens hungry, desperate and suffering in the midst of plenty.
Said Okoroji: “Sad as it may sound, many have concluded that there is no hope for Nigeria. Some even say that there must be something wrong with our genes.
“I say No! No! The truth is that nothing is wrong with our genes. While our politicians and so-called leaders, with their take-everything and give-nothing-in-return mentality, have left millions of Nigerians with devastating hunger, joblessness and unknown gunmen everywhere, several young Nigerians are flexing their muscles in different parts of the world and soaring in diverse fields.
“Asake, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Flavour and many more are taking what is today called afro beats to the world and filling huge venues with rapturous fans paying pounds and dollars to see them. Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal player, who now wears the shirt of the English national football team, has Nigerian genes. Victor Osimhen who has been a top scorer in the very competitive Italian Football League is a full-blooded Nigerian. Tobi Amusan who may not have won any medal at the Paris Olympics, but still holds the World Record in 100 meters Hurdles, is a Nigerian. Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate in Literature, is a Nigerian citizen. The internationally respected, master story teller, Chinua Achebe, was born and died a Nigerian. You might say that Achebe belongs to another generation, maybe. But the renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who is relatively young, is a Nigerian”.
In conclusion, the life long advocate for the rights of creative people said: “I very much recognize the deep despair in the land, the hunger that threatens the life of millions of Nigerians, the insecurity that has snatched the lives of so many of our countrymen and the anguish under which many Nigerians wake up in the morning and go to bed at night.
“Nigerian creatives cannot afford to give up. We must work together for the unity of our country and the progress of our nation. We must contribute to making Nigeria a nation in which people do not brazenly reap where they did not sow and comfortably steal what does not belong to them and amass wealth which they have not earned.
“On this “No Music Day 2024”, I pray for all Nigerians who are going through trials, tribulations and hardship and beg the Almighty to please meet their needs. God bless the Nigerian Creative Industry and God bless the great people of Nigeria”.
On September 1, 2009, practitioners in the entire Nigerian creative family massed in front of the National Theatre in Lagos and for days, refused to eat or drink and demanded that the over 400 licensed broadcast stations in the country, who use music as the key raw material for their operations, should broadcast no music for a significant period of that day. So began what the creative industry has celebrated every September 1 as “No Music Day”.
*Watch the No Music Day 2024 Official Broadcast by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji on behalf of the Nigeria music industry.* Click link to watch: https://youtu.be/OC_ChF54UaA?si=1i4ka8SoMOiiwfHV

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

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22 hours ago

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February 21, 2025

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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.

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

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4 days ago

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February 18, 2025

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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!

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

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1 week ago

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February 15, 2025

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

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