Peace at last: COSON and BON reconcile

After months of war of words and disagreements, the Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON and the Nigerian broadcasting industry under the auspices of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria,BON, and Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria,IBAN have finally agreed to sheathe their swords as they embrace peace again. The bodies have been at loggerheads for over seven months now, following the latter’s decision to stop the airplay of musical works belonging to Nigerian artistes registered with the former over the payment of royalties. The peace process was sealed on Wednesday, after the parties gathered at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. The signing of the MOU was witnessed by the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Mr Emeka Mba, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude,  Mr Umar Emakpore, former  Director-General of NBC who initiated the peace process, foremost broadcaster, Julie Coker, chairman of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa, Chairman COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji and Mr. Kenny Ogungbe who represented the chairman of Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria. Speaking at event, Director-General of NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba said, the essence of the MoU was to open a new chapter for  the nation’s creative industry. According to him, the struggle is not about the broadcasting, but also, it’s about the entire industry and having respect for intellectual property in the country. “Signing of the MoU will set a new standard  for those who are abusing the works of creativity,” Mr Mba said. Mr. Umar Emakpore who is also the Chief negotiator, said,  the essence of the MOU was to create a level playing ground for the warring bodies. He, however, urged the parties to ensure that they respect the MoU to the letters. The chairman of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa, Chairman COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji and Mr. Kenny Ogungbe who represented the chairman of Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria, respectively expressed happiness for ending their seven-month old feud on a good note.”I am extremely happy to be part of history today. We are together and together we will move this industry forward,” said Kenny Ogungbe