Stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industry have launched a WIPO-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market.

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Stakeholders across Nigeria’s creative industry converged at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja on Tuesday for the official kick-off meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market.

Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for this flagship initiative, which is aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.

The project, implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms, DESMOND UTOMWEN, the Publicity Secretary (FCT) Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria said in a statement.

In his welcome address, Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age.

For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy. This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back

He noted that by identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy, “we are safeguarding the future of the creatives.”

Speaking at the event, Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.

He added that the project reflects WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.

Representing the Nigerian film industry, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, (AMP), Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who have long borne the brunt of digital piracy.

“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy. This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Dr. Ebigieson said.

Dr. Ebigieson also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration. “We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios. The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach.”

The project overview was presented by Dr. Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.

International Consultant Dr. Ioannis Kikkis also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment.

With robust participation from law enforcement agencies, telecommunications firms, legal experts, and creative industry associations, the initiative promises a whole-of-sector response to the menace of online piracy.

Avalanche Club is set to become the epicentre of celebration this Ileya Festival with a lineup of electrifying performances by some of Nigeria’s most beloved musicians.

The festivities kick off this Friday, June 14, with a performance by the renowned fuji musician King Aderemi Aluko. Known for his dynamic stage presence and captivating fuji beats, Aluko promises to deliver a show that attendees won’t soon forget.

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IGWE as his fans love to call him is having the official welcome dance after a successful tour of Canada. Lovers of his music are assured of new fusion of fast tempo beats laced with lyrics that narrates his experience while in Canada.

On Sunday, June 16, the celebration continues with juju music sensation Witty Wale Thompson.

Thompson, a maestro of the juju genre, will take the stage at 7pm, bringing his smooth rhythms and engaging melodies to the delighted crowd. His performance is set to be a highlight of the weekend, as fans gather to enjoy his timeless hits and new compositions.

The Ileya Festival festivities at Avalanche Club don’t end there.

The following Friday, June 21, legendary musician Sir Shina Peters will grace the stage.

Known for pioneering the Afro-Juju genre, Sir Shina Peters has a reputation for his high-energy performances and musical prowess.

His show is anticipated to draw a large crowd, eager to see the legend perform live.

These performances are powered by Metro Media Hub, ensuring top-notch production quality for an unforgettable entertainment experience.

For those looking to attend these exciting events, reservations can be made by contacting 09075545626.

Avalanche Club, known for its cozy ambiance and excellent service, is located at 5, Bamako Street, Opposite Omole Phase I, Lagos State.

The venue is perfect for an evening of music and celebration, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for all attendees.

This series of events at Avalanche Club is more than just a celebration of the Ileya Festival; it’s a showcase of Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.

“The mission of Avalanche is to serve its patrons the best of music, entertainment and food to celebrate the Ileya festival. Ours is premium entertainment with intention to create memories in the mind of patrons,” remarked Hon. Kehinde Bankole, CEO Avalanche.

The grand spectacle of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) unfolded on Saturday, 11th May 2024, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos State. It was a night dedicated to honoring excellence and celebrating the remarkable talent within the African film and television industry.

Hosted by the seasoned master of ceremonies, IK Osakioduwa, for the remarkable tenth consecutive year, the event radiated with excitement and anticipation as the winners of the coveted awards were announced.

Among the highlights of the evening, Chimezie Imo was honored with the Trailblazer Award, a testament to his innovative contributions to the industry. Additionally, the esteemed Industry Merit Awards were bestowed upon two legends of Nigerian cinema: Richard Mofe Damijo and Idowu Philips, affectionately known as Iya Rainbow, in recognition of their profound impact and enduring legacies.

From Best Digital Content Creator to Best Lead Actor and Actress, the stars of the African entertainment scene shone brightly as they were recognized for their outstanding contributions to movie production and storytelling.

Here’s the full list of the 10th edition of the AMVCA winners:

BEST DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR

MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

ISAAC AYOMIDE OLAYIWOLA ( LAYI WASABI)

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (WEST AFRICA)

JAGUN JAGUN (THE WARRIOR)

FEMI ADEBAYO

BEST SHORT FILM

BROKEN MASK

KAGHO IDHEBOR

BEST SCRIPTED MNET ORIGINAL

SLUM KING

CHINENYE NWORAH

BEST UNSCRIPTED MNET ORIGINAL

NWUYEE BEKEE (FOREIGN WIVES)

NNODIM CHIGOZIE GEORGE

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (EAST AFRICA)

ORMOILAA OGOL (THE STRONG ONE)

LAVERA NDANUNGA

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (SOUTHERN AFRICA)

MOTSHAMEKO O KOTSI

MOLEBOGENG MAPOTLAKELE MAMAKOKO & JOSEPH MERLIN TAFOU WAMBO

BEST MULTICHOICE TALENT FACTORY MOVIE

HER DARK PAST

BEST INDIGENOUS M-NET ORIGINAL

IRORA IYA

ADENIYI JOSEPH OMOBULEJO & ALLEN ONYIGE

Non – Voting categories

MOVIE CATEGORIES

SERIES/FILM
WINNER

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

JAGUN JAGUN

LOLA AWE

BEST MOVIE

BREATH OF LIFE

BB SASORE, DERIN ADEYOKUNNU & EKU EDEWOR

BEST WRITING MOVIE

FUNMILAYO RANSOME-KUTI

TUNDE BABALOLA

BEST MAKE UP

MAMIWATA

CAMPBELL PRECIOUS AREBAMEN

BEST WRITING TV SERIES

VOLUME

MONA OMBOGO

BEST ART DIRECTION

OVER THE BRIDGE

ABISOLA OMOLADE

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

BREATH OF LIFE

ADEMOLA ADEDOYIN

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

OVER THE BRIDGE

KC OBIAJULU

BEST DIRECTOR

BREATH OF LIFE

BB SASORE

BEST DOCUMENTARY

LOBOLA, A BRIDE’S TRUE PRICE?

SIHLE HLOPHE

BEST EDITING

THE BLACK BOOK

ANTONIO RIBEIRO

BEST SERIES (SCRIPTED)

ITURA

JAMES KALU OMOKWE

BEST SERIES (UNSCRIPTED)

GH QUEENS

AYEBEA ‘BZ’ DARKO

BEST SOUND DESIGN

BLOOD VESSEL

GRAY JONES OSSAI & FISAYO ADEFOLAJU

BEST SUPPORT ACTRESS

BREATH OF LIFE

GENOVEVA UMEH

BEST LEAD ACTRESS

ADIRE

KEHINDE BANKOLE

BEST LEAD ACTOR

WALE OJO

BREATH OF LIFE