Entertainment
Artistes Task NCC On Patent Rights
Some Nollywood practitio
ners last Tuesday urged the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to do more to protect the intellectual property rights of artists in the entertainment industry.
The artists who made the plea in interviews with the Press in Lagos said the commission needed to be proactive in the discharge of its duty.
Veteran thespian, Jide Kosoko, told Journalists that the NCC ought to review some of its policies and laws to make them stiffer for offenders.
Kosoko said that some laws by the commission were weak, thereby giving room for criminals to carry out their unlawful activities.
“The commission should make the laws stiffer for copyright offenders.
“They should also set up anti-piracy squad within the commission to assist it in discharging its duties effectively,’’ the actor said.
He said that entertainment practitioners had over the time appealed for support against the piracy scourge but to no avail.
He said the commission must be adequately funded and with the requisite personnel to make an appreciable impact against piracy phenomenon.
In the same vein, Moji Olaiya, an actress, urged the NCC to go all-out to arrest and prosecute those that are engaged in copyright infringement.
Olaiya added that by so doing the nefarious act would be curbed.
“Pirates are the major obstacle affecting the development of the industry.
“If the punishment given to copyright offenders are stiffer, it will reduce the activities of pirates in the industry,’’ Olaiya said.
Another veteran thespian, Dele Alexander, told Journalists that even though the commission had been at the forefront of the battle, they needed to modify their approach.
“Pirates have financial backing to carry out their unlawful act which serves as a threat to copyright owners.
“If the situation is left unchecked the entertainment industry will soon go into extinction,’’ the actor said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chris Nkwocha, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator of NCC, said that in spite of the doubts expressed by some stakeholders, the organisation had been working hard to curtail the scourge.
Nkwocha told newsmen that the primary mandate of the NCC was to enforce and prosecute copyright offenders, and that the body was striving hard to cleanse the land of piracy.
“The commission has been at the forefront of tackling and eradicating piracy in the society but will improve more in discharging it duties efficiently,’’ he said.
Nkwocha said that the commission would not relent in the fight to reduce piracy to the barest minimum.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA), Prof. Sunday Ododo, described piracy as the greatest challenge in Nigeria’s film industry popularly known as Nollywood.
He stated this in his welcome address at the 28th Annual International Conference of SONTA in Abuja.
Ododo said the full economic benefits of the industry would only be realised when the battle against piracy was won.
He added that “piracy is Nollywood’s greatest headache that needs to be specially tackled.
“When this battle against piracy is won, Nollywood and its economic benefits shall have stronger footing and genuine impact on our economy.
“The battle against piracy should be supported by all so that stakeholders in Nollywood are not denied the benefits of their creativity.’’
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to extend its current anti-corruption crusade to the film industry.
He said “President Muhammadu Buhari’s determined fight against corruption is commendable and it should not start and end with government officials only.
“Corrupt practices in the private sector should also receive due attention, and piracy is one of such.
“If the present government is to go far in its change mission and national reorientation, the answer is Nollywood.
“Repositioning the Nigerian film industry to play key role in character transformation, national consciousness should be the overall interest of all Nigerians.’’
Earlier, Mrs Nkechi Ejele, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, said that although Nollywood was already a success story, there was still a lot to benefit from it.
She, therefore, pledged government’s support in the development of Nollywood and other aspects of the creative industry in the country.
The theme of the three-day conference is “Repositioning Nollywood For the Promotion of Nigeria’s Cultural Diplomacy and National Security.’’
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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