Oba Of Benin Prays For Musicians As COSON Storms Edo

The palace of the Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo
was a beehive of activities this past Tuesday as the leadership of Copyright Society
of Nigeria (COSON) stormed the ancient city of Benin to officially launch music
copyright licensing in the state.
The first port of call of the team from Lagos led by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony
Okoroji was the palace of the revered Oba where the team was joined by prominent
Edo musicians like Prof. (Sir) Victor Uwaifo, Osayomora Joseph and the leadership
and members of PMAN including former PMAN Secretary-General, Okouimose
Emmanuel Okouimose. The COSON delegation was received by the Oba and his full
cabinet.
Addressing His Majesty, Chief Okoroji said that Edo state was well known for its
unparallel culture and creativity whether in folklore, bronze casting or music and
that these great gifts from the Almighty if properly harnessed can bring
unquantifiable reward to the people.
He went further to say that COSON has received the mandate of the musicians of
the world and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that
those who deploy music in a public or commercial setting obtain a license to
compensate those who create the works so that the industry can offer employment
to millions of people in Nigeria and generate tax revenue for the state.
Chief Okoroji also informed the Oba that one of its citizens, Prince Biodun
Egwakhide has been appointed by COSON to ensure that the licensing programme
takes off without hitches and that COSON thought it was necessary before
launching the programme that the Oba is fully briefed and his prayers and
blessings received.
The Oba thanked the delegation and said prayers with the traditional breaking of
the kola nuts and the sharing of drinks.
Prof. Victor Uwaifo who accompanied the COSON delegation to several of the
events in Benin was full of praise for the rapid progress that COSON has made in
so short a time. He called on musicians across Nigeria to continue to give COSON
their unalloyed support as the leadership has shown that it is unassailable. He
also called on public and commercial users of music in Edo state to ensure that
they obtain a COSON license to avoid legal problems from COSON.
All across Edo state on practically every radio station, the COSON Public Service
Announcements keeps blaring virtually back to back.
On the COSON train to Edo were the likes of COSON GM, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji and
popular singer, Azeezat Allen who is a Director of the Society.

FOR COSON:
MAYREE UKET
Senior Executive, New Media