The Leadership of the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), the sole collective management organisation responsible for audiovisual works in Nigeria returned from Port Harcourt, Rivers State with the news that it had a successful forum with its stakeholders. The forum, which held on September 19, 2023, attracted players of the audiovisual industry, hotels and high-ranking government officials representing the government of Rivers State and the Nigerian Copyright Commission.
Prior to the stakeholders’ forum, the AVRS delegation, led by its Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, visited some broadcast stations in the Garden City as part of the sensitisation campaign.
At the forum, which provided audiovisual sector stakeholders and users of audiovisual content with the invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the crucial significance of respecting intellectual property rights, Ali-Balogun emphasised that the forum is a platform for both audiovisual copyright owners and users to come together, engage in meaningful interactions, and seek clarity on the pivotal role played by AVRS as a Collective Management Organization (CMO).
“The event was aimed at achieving several other critical objectives like promoting collaboration between AVRS and the user community in Rivers State; addressing any copyright concerns and challenges; introducing and highlighting the various programmes and services offered by AVRS; enhancing the overall public awareness of audiovisual rights; promoting compliance with copyright laws and regulations among users of audiovisual works; and being a valuable platform to seek feedback and suggestions,” Ali-Balogun explained.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibiwari Charity Clapton Ogolo remarked that the gathering of audiovisual industry stakeholders underscores the paramount significance of audiovisual works and intellectual property in the emerging economy.
The Permanent Secretary said, “there is no doubt that piracy, illegal copying and unauthorised use of intellectual property has dealt severe blows to copyright owners. Thus, your struggle over the years, which culminated in the establishment of a law which mandates organisations that publicly and commercially use audiovisual works for purposes of entertainment to be properly licensed by AVRS. This action remains the catalyst for the continuous growth of the creative industries and should be supported by everyone.”
During his remark, Mr. Freddy Ndigbarra, a Director in the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, representing the Permanent Secretary, stated that both the Ministry and the government of River State are dedicated to collaborating with AVRS and the creative industries within the state to ensure the recognition of creators’ rights and guarantee that all entitlements due to rights holders in Rivers State are duly awarded.
Also speaking at the forum, renowned actor, Dr. Sam Dede appealed to all public and commercial users of audiovisual work within Rivers State and beyond to collaborate closely with AVRS.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that all outstanding royalties owed actors, filmmakers, and individuals who contribute their talent and resources to the film industry are promptly and fairly compensated while they are still alive. Some esteemed members of Nollywood, including Jide Kosoko and Monalisa Chinda-Coker actively participated at the forum.
