COSON Goes Tough on Music Users

The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) is not leaving any stone unturned in her quest to compel broadcasting stations across the country to pay royalties for use of music.

One way COSON is doing it is by engaging licensing officers which it is deploying to intensify the drive for royalties.

Speaking at a workshop put together for the officers, Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji said the society will work out appropriate sanctions to compel unwilling broadcasting stations to pay royalties for use of music. He charged them to be bold and transparent; stressing that accountability is not negotiable.

“You must be bold as I implore you to see yourselves as an integral part of the development of creativity in our country. We owe our young creative minds and even our unborn generations a suitable environment where their creativity can thrive. We must come to that point where every Nigerian begins to show respect for intellectual property. We need to encourage this industry which can guarantee jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. As you go about your licensing jobs dutifully, bear in mind that you are not just serving humanity but you are also serving God”.

Okoroji requested any of the representatives who may find it inconvenient to maintain the very high level of discipline required by COSON to withdraw immediately, stressing that COSON is determined to maintain zero tolerance for fraud or insensitivity to appropriate financial management standards.

According to Okoroji, ‘transparency is ‘Job No. 1’ at COSON. It has taken us a long time and a lot of sweat to build an institution like COSON of which we are proud. “The Federal Government’s approval of COSON is based on trust. The faith of the many CMOs around the world who have reciprocal agreements with COSON is based on trust. Our members must continue to have faith and trust in us and anyone whose action will dent that trust will not only be removed, we will make sure that he is fully prosecuted”, he said.

The workshop was also attended by Senior Licensing Executives from the Headquarters such as Mr. Chibueze Okereke and Mr. Efe Enaohwo. Ms. Bernice Eriemeighe, COSON Head of Finance & Administration also participated in the workshop coordinated by COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji who expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the human capacity building event.