Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the nation’s sole government approved copyright collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 signed a major partnership agreement with internet giant, Google at the Civic Centre, Victoria island, Lagos.
At the event attended by many entertainment industry big wigs, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji said that the agreement negotiated over several months was a major step in providing worldwide access to the music of Nigerian artistes and to ensure that the creators of music in Nigeria and the investors receive appropriate compensation for their labour.
He also announced that Google is an important partner in the West African Network (WAN) being coordinated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) which seeks to link the database of all the key collective management organizations in West Africa including COSON and to provide for them a major global shop window.
While Chief Okoroji signed the agreement on behalf of COSON, Google Senior Director- Partnership, (Europe, Africa & Middle East), Mr. Patrick Walker who was in Nigeria for the event signed for Google which was also represented at the event by Country Manager, Ms. Juliet Ehimuan and Marketing Manager, Ms Affiom Bassey. Also present at the CIVIC Centre for the signing ceremony were COSON Acting General Manager, Ms Bernice Eriemeghe, Head of Datatech, Mr. Vincent Adawaisi and Board members, Mr. Obi Asika of Storm 360; Mr. Toju Ejueyitchie of Premier Records,, Hon. Johh Udegbunan of MORAN; Mr. Laolu Akins, the renowned music producer, Mr. Charles Imoloame of Nigerian Music Club, Mr. Joel Ajayi of MULOAN and fuji exponent, Alhaji S.A. Agboola. Also at the Civic Centre were the likes of showbiz impresario, Mr. Edi Lawani and Singer, Kenny Saint Brown. The occasion was also used to launch Youtube Nigeria.
Meanwhile, COSON has wound down its week long exhibition, at the Creative Industries Expo which was coordinated by the British Council at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
There was a beehive of activities at the COSON stand throughout the expo as many thronged the stand to attend the daily copyright clinic hosted by intellectual property lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige or to get information from the COSON team of Elizabeth Ike, Anwulika Ngene and Isa Haruna. Among the many digniteries at the COSON stand was the Hon. Minister of Culture, Tourism & National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, who was received at the stand by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji.
