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IP System Key to Unlocking Scientific Potential of Traditional Knowledge for Humanity – DG NCC
As the world commemorates this year’s Intellectual Property (IP) Day, Mr. John O. Asein, Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has declared that effective application of intellectual property could assist Nigeria to unlock the vast potentials of its traditional knowledge to empower more communities to become global players in the fields of science and medicine.
In a statement marking the World IP Day 2020 on 26th April, the NCC Director-General called on academics and researchers to explore and provide empirical, IP driven support to help refine, validate and propagate our traditional knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
X-raying the theme of the Day, “Innovate for a Green Future”, Mr. Asein stated: “The world can no longer ignore the consequences of unwholesome practices and innovations that threaten ecosystems, distort climatic conditions, deplete farm yields and foist untold hardship on people. The way out is to subscribe to environment-friendly innovation. This should be complemented by increased investment in green technology to achieve a low-carbon future for our world”.
He observed that the COVID-19 pandemic that has crippled virtually all sectors and industries has exposed the fragile ecosystem of the world in which we live, “and reminds us of the need to use technology, creativity and innovation in a balanced, responsible, human-friendly and sustainable manner”.
“It shows the vulnerability of developed and developing countries alike and how the choices made in one part of the world today could affect and shape our common destiny tomorrow”, he added.
According to him, “Despite the apocalyptic prognosis about the ongoing pandemic, the global response to it has been reassuring that humanity is able to use its collective power of creativity and innovation to overcome the challenge.
Here in Nigeria we are proud of the early indications of possible solutions in our traditional knowledge systems.”
The Director-General emphasised that Nigeria must harness its rich diversity of traditional knowledge, and through a careful infusion of the modern intellectual property system, provide both positive and defensive protection for its traditional knowledge.
He stressed that, with intellectual property, it could unlock its vast potentials and empower more communities to become global players in the fields of science and medicine.
The NCC DG indicated that the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) proclaimed 26 April yearly as a Day to raise awareness on the importance of IP – copyright, trademarks, patents and designs – and celebrate the contributions of creators and innovators.
He added that while humanity has benefited immensely from the advancements, it has also faced mounting challenges brought about as a by-product of those advancements.
“The depletion of the ozone layer, increasing global warming, acid rain, ocean plastic waste, water pollution, are some of these by-products that threaten humans, animals and the planet on which we coexist.
On the social spectrum, one may also worry about the ease with which fake and malicious news are digitally manipulated and circulated at the touch of a button. Such abuse of images and social media postings poses a threat to the integrity of traditional knowledge dissemination channels”, he remarked.
Observing that there was no better time than now for the world to appreciate the consequences of the daily choices we make in different areas of human life, Mr. Asein stated: “A green future should be one that also guarantees the protection of the nation’s biodiversity and the sustainable use of appropriate innovation, including traditional knowledge, to find simple, safe and sustainable solutions for daily challenges in health, wellbeing, food, shelter and environmental safety.
This would complement Government’s ongoing efforts at self-sufficiency and the vision for Nigerians to “grow what we eat and consume what we make”.
According to him, “The 2018 Global Innovation Index released by WIPO forecasts that by 2050, 85 percent of the world’s primary energy needs would be derived from renewables, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.
“Countries are therefore encouraged to develop policies that support renewable energy. Fortunately, Nigeria is well endowed and it is already taking steps towards boosting the country’s performance index in the field of green technology.”
The Director-General urged everyone to embrace the campaign for a green future, adding that the Commission would continue to give institutional support as part of a national strategy for a balanced and robust intellectual property system that works for the wellbeing of the earth and the benefit of all.
“On this occasion of the 2020 World Intellectual Property Day, stay well, keep safe and have a wonderful celebration”, he stated.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the country now ranks second in Africa for domestic passengers, hitting 10.5 million in 2025—a 10 percent jump.
FAAN
FAAN boss Olubunmi Kuku disclosed this at the Airports Council International Africa conference in Luanda, Angola.
Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport posted 11.8 percent growth in air traffic movements, one of Africa’s strongest.
Cargo surged 34.4 percent at Lagos, cementing its top-tier status.
Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe and Lagos airports cracked Africa’s top 10 for domestic traffic.
Kuku stressed Nigeria’s push to host and shape African air links amid rising demand for modern, resilient airports.
Afro-pop star Joeboy takes centre stage this week as he features on the Easter edition of African Voices, the Globacom-sponsored magazine programme on CNN.
In this episode, the Nigeria-born singer sits down with show anchor, Larry Madowo, in Lagos, where he shares the story of his journey from a young university student with big dreams to becoming one of Afrobeats’ most recognised voices.
Long before global attention, Joeboy, born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus, started out experimenting with music and sharing covers online. His 2017 cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” marked a turning point, helping him transition fully into singing and setting the stage for what was to come.
That moment soon opened new doors, including a connection with Mr. Eazi, who brought him into the emPawa Africa talent programme. This provided support and exposure for his music to reach a wider audience, laying the foundation for his professional career. The alliance also birth “Fààjí,” which featured Mr. Eazi in 2018, after which he was signed to Warner Music Africa.
Under this partnership, Joeboy released his hit single “Baby” in 2019, followed by “Beginning,” which has 23 million views on YouTube. He also released “Love & Light” the same year and featured Mayorkun in the tracks “Don’t Call Me” and “All for You”
Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to release two albums, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic in February 2021 and Body & Soul in 2023, while earning recognition across the continent, including awards for his contributions to African pop music. He won Best Artist in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30 a.m., with several repeat broadcasts scheduled across the weekend and into the following week. 11 a.m. on Saturday; on Sunday at 3.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. This continues on Monday at 3 a.m. and 5.45 p.m, and on Tuesday at 5.45 p.m. The schedule will be repeated next week until 3 a.m. on Monday.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgement that restrained it from imposing fines on radio and television stations across the country.
NBC
Delivering the lead judgement, Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi, on behalf of a three-member panel, upheld the earlier ruling and set aside the fines imposed by the NBC on 45 broadcast stations on March 1, 2019, for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The panel was presided over by Justice Abba Mohammed, with Justice Donatus Okorowo as the third member.
According to a statement issued by Idowu Adewale, Communications Officer of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal stemmed from a suit filed by the non-governmental organisation in November 2021, challenging the NBC’s powers to impose fines on broadcasters.
The Federal High Court, in its judgement delivered on May 10, 2023, by Justice James Omotosho, ruled in favour of MRA after the NBC failed to defend the suit.
The court held that fines are sanctions imposed on persons found guilty of criminal offences and, under Nigerian law, only courts of law have the authority to impose such penalties.
Setting aside the fines of ₦500,000 each imposed on the affected stations, Justice Omotosho stated that the NBC “is neither a court nor a judicial tribunal to make pronouncements on the guilt of broadcast stations, notwithstanding what the NBC Code says.”
He added that the Commission’s actions violated the Constitution.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the NBC filed a motion in July 2023, urging the same court to set aside the judgement on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction and had reached its decision without considering relevant facts.
However, in November 2023, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, describing it as futile and an afterthought, noting that available evidence showed the Commission had been duly served but failed to appear in court to defend the case.
The NBC subsequently approached the Court of Appeal in July 2024, seeking to overturn the judgement.
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At the hearing on February 4, 2026, Mr Victor Ogude (SAN), leading Mr Kehinde Wilkey for the NBC, adopted his brief of argument and made additional submissions.
Counsel to MRA, Ezenwa Anumnu, also adopted his brief and responded accordingly.
In its ruling, the appellate court agreed with MRA’s position that the NBC, having failed to contest the suit at the Federal High Court, could not raise fresh challenges at the appellate level.
Justice Oyewumi held that the appeal lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it.
With this decision, MRA has secured victory in the first of two appeals involving the NBC over separate Federal High Court judgements barring the Commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations.
The second appeal, filed by the NBC against a similar judgement delivered on January 17, 2024 by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is still pending. The Court of Appeal heard arguments in that matter on March 25, 2026 and has reserved judgement.
In that case, the NBC is challenging a ruling arising from a suit filed by MRA after the Commission imposed fines of ₦5 million each on a television station and three pay-TV platforms in 2022 for allegedly undermining national security through the broadcast of documentaries on banditry in Nigeria.
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