PMAN REJECTS SECRET REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2021

The Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has reacted to the news of the impending repeal and re-enactment of the Copyright Act (Cap. C.28 Law of the Federation of Nigeria) 2004.

PMAN’s reaction was based on the apparent speed and secrecy with which the Bill to repeal the Act and re-enact a new one was shrouded.

About two weeks ago, the media (both print and electronic) were agog with the news that the Bill to repeal and re-enact the Copyright Act 2004 2021 has passed second reading at the floor of the Senate.

PMAN hearing and reading this news, contacted notable groups and associations in the creative industry, particularly, the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), all which denied any knowledge of the Bill and its contents. We then became very apprehensive that some sinister motives are at play to halt and reverse the progress already made in the field of copyright administration and enforcement.

PMAN immediately wrote a formal letter to the Senate Leadership, specifically, the Senate President, the joint Chairmen of Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Trade and Investments, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Senate Chief Whip among others, to express PMAN’s concern over a Bill that touches upon the livelihood and constitutional rights of Nigerian Musicians without their knowledge or input. PMAN’s simple request was that it should be availed of a copy of the Bill to at least know what it contains and if necessary, make input.

PMAN did not stop there; we wrote a letter to the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, expressing the same concern and requesting the Distinguished Senator to recall the Bill for stakeholders’ consideration. We received a very nice and swift reply from Senator Abiru who advised us to access the Bill from a link which he gave as www.nass.gv.ng. From our attempts, we discovered that the link does not exist and we used our initiative to access the National Assembly website and found that the said Bill was not among the posted Bills pending consideration before the National Assembly (both the Senate and the House of Representatives). We then rightly assumed that we were deliberately sent on a wild goose chase by the Distinguished Senator and came to the incontrovertible conclusion that certain forces are pushing the Bill secretly while trying to present the image that the process is open.

PMAN rejects this process in its entirety, noting that the Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Abiru, is not an author, painter, artist or a musician. As far as we know, we are not able to trace any interest to him that could be classified as copyright-related that would make him so interested in pushing a Bill that would affect the lives and constitutional rights of millions of Nigerian stakeholders without their knowledge and input.

We have contacted our allies in other organisations and associations and they expressed the same worries. Some have actually written to the Senate Leadership expressing their concerns.

Our concern is more fuelled by a recent Public Hearing held on 16th and 17th June 2021 by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values on the Bill to Repeal the National Film and Video Censor’s Board Act and Enact the National Film and Video Censorship, Classification and Exhibition Regulatory Commission Bill 2019 in its place. Up to the date of that Public Hearing, stakeholders in the industry were not aware of the Bill and its contents.

PMAN is stating for the umpteenth time and the records that the works of our intellects, which consist of literary works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings and our performances are our private property. They are our Constitutional and Fundamental Human Rights. Any attempt to tamper with them with a view to appropriate them for anybody or authority be it private or public shall be resisted.

PMAN calls on other stakeholders in the entire creative industry to rise and team up for the defence of their moral and economic rights.

PMAN also calls on the leadership of the National Assembly both at the Senate and House of Representatives to thread softly on these Bills until the real stakeholders have made their inputs and had their say.

Thank you.

Pretty Okafor

President

29 June 2021.

Business

CHECKMATE OPEN LOUNGE BERTHS IN ISOLO

Published

1 month ago

February 18, 2023

CelebrityPlus

For sometime now,fun seekers around the Ilasamaja, Isolo axis of Lagos have been treated to a different kind of hospitality in the Bar and Entertainment business. The new lease of life is offered by CHECKMATE Open Bar situated on 1 Salamotu street off Iyana Itire, Isolo.

The bar which boasts the latest canapes,spirits and assorted drinks is now the go-to place for young and old who want to catch undiluted fun after a hectic day

Having been in existence for like 4years now,the talking point of many is the first class service it offers its clients since it came under a new management led by seasoned Lagos businessman,John Okpara.

The club offers Karaoke,Comedy and Ladies Nites to the delight of its clientele week in week out.

For many who attended the special St Valentine’s show a few days back,it was a day to remember as several guests went home with mouth watering gifts from the management.

A grand opening of the fun place is scheduled for March 2023.

Entertainment

Primate Ayodele Gives Out Five Cars, Buses, Tricycles, Others To Celebrate Birthday

Published

1 month ago

February 15, 2023

CelebrityPlus

The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has given out five cars, five tricycles, five buses and more than N25 Million naira empowerment package to journalists, widows, needy, students to celebrate his birthday.

The massive event which was held yesterday Tuesday, 14th Of February 2023 at his Lagos church was also to mark the end of the prophet’s 17-day appreciation and philanthropic activities which started on Sunday, 29th Of January 2023.

The event had in attendance the president of the Nigeria football federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau who declared the event opened, the chairman of the National drug and law enforcement agency (NDLEA), General Marwa, popular gospel musician, Yinka Alaseyori who serenade the crowd with her angelic melody, comedian Ayo Ajewole AKA Woli Agba who had the audience filled with laughter, popular nollywood actors and actresses, to mention a few.

Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, while declaring the event open described Primate Ayodele as a true friend who has shown support for the football federation. He explained the circumstances that led to his meeting with the man of God, stating that Primate Ayodele played a huge role in his emergence as the NFF president.

‘’One journalist sent me a video of Primate Ayodele during a press conference speaking about the election in NFF. He mentioned some of the contestants and said finally to him, the person that will become the president is Ibrahim Gusau. The journalist was surprised because I am not a Christian and didn’t know the prophet as I don’t even stay in Lagos. Consistently, he stood on his word whenever he gives prophecies concerning football and to God be the glory, the election came and I won. I felt I should find time to appreciate the man of God for his support. He visited me in Abuja, we spoke and ate together so there is no way he will have an occasion like this and I will not be there, it means I don’t appreciate God. We will continually ask for your prayers and will not disappoint you.’’

Also, the NDLEA chairman, General Buba Marwa who sent a representative expressed his surprise at the many gifts shared by Primate Ayodele while noting that the man of God will be the first to show practical love on Valentine’s Day despite the scarcity crisis in the country. He therefore asked the man of God to organize programmes that will allow the NDLEA support.

‘’General Buba Marwa is very interested in working with you and he has asked me to say it publicly that you should set a motion, programmes that will make the NDLEA join you. This programme on a day like this when everyone is showing love especially at a time like this when there is scarcity, we need to appreciate Primate Ayodele for showing practical love, I have been hearing happy valentine’s day since morning but this is the first practical one I am seeing.’’

The height of the event was when three church members and two journalists including an editor with The Sun Newspaper and the prophet’s media aide, Osho Oluwatosin were called out for a car gift.

One of the recipients who is the youth president of the church, Monday Sunday couldn’t hold back tears from his eyes when Primate Ayodele called his name. The man of God mentioned that he has been dedicated to the church’s service and has given his best whenever it is necessary.

Also, the two accountants of the church who were recipients couldn’t hide his joy when Primate Ayodele announced their names. The prophet who rewards good deeds appreciated them for being transparent and trustworthy over the years.

The media aide, Osho Oluwatosin obviously didn’t expect to receive a car gift from the prophet. He was visibly shaking when he was called upon to receive his car gift from Primate Ayodele.

Also, other dedicated church members were given tricycles and mini-buses for their support to the church.

Apart from these, a cheque of N200,000 was presented each to 11 journalists to empower them for supporting the man of God over the years. Primate Ayodele in his philanthropic attitude promised to pay the sum of N350,000 for one of the empowered journalists who has issues with his sight.

Furthermore, the widows and less privileged were not forgotten in the largesse. Several of them were given food items, accommodation fee, grinding machines, home appliances, to mention but a few.

The youths were also not left out as about 23 students were given scholarships to study in tertiary institutions. To show his generosity further, the man of God presented cheques to some churches to purchase landed properties.

In recognition and appreciation of his impact in the society, the Theatre arts and motion pictures practitioners (TAMPAN) led by famous Nollywood actor, Owolabi Ajasa made Primate Ayodele their grand patron and spiritual father.

It is worthy of note that Primate Ayodele has always done massive empowerment to celebrate his birthdays on every 14th of February. In previous years, journalists and church members have been given cars, tricycles, scholarships, to mention a few.