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