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PMAN Alleges Secret Repeal, Reenactment of Copyright Act

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Performing Musicians’ Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has kicked against the speed and secrecy shrouding the repeal and re-enactment of the Copyright Act 2004.

PMAN Alleges Secret Repeal, Reenactment of Copyright Act

Pretty Okafor, president, PMAN in a said that the process to repeal the Act and re-enact a new one without consulting notable groups and associations in the creative industry had confounded all expectations.

“Recently, the media was agog with the news that the Bill to repeal and re-enact the Copyright Act 2004/2021 has passed second reading on the floor of the Senate. On hearing the news, PMAN contacted notable groups and associations in the creative industry, particularly the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), all of which denied any knowledge of the Bill and its contents. We then became very apprehensive that some sinister motives are at play to halt and reverse the progress already made in the field of copyright administration and enforcement.

“PMAN immediately wrote a formal letter to the Senate President, joint Chairmen of Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Trade and Investments, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Senate Chief Whip among others to express our concern over a Bill that touches upon the livelihood and constitutional rights of Nigerian without their knowledge or input. PMAN’s simple request was that it should be availed of a copy of the Bill to at least know what it contains, and if necessary, make input.

“PMAN did not stop there; we wrote a letter to the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, expressing the same concern and requesting the distinguished Senator to recall the Bill for stakeholders’ consideration. We received a very nice and swift reply from Senator Abiru who advised us to access the Bill from a link, which he gave as www.nass.gv.ng. From our attempts, we discovered that the link does not exist and we used our initiative to access the National Assembly website and found that the said Bill was not among the posted Bills pending consideration before the National Assembly (both the Senate and the House of Representatives). We then rightly assumed that we were deliberately sent on a wild goose chase by the distinguished Senator and came to the incontrovertible conclusion that certain forces are pushing the Bill secretly while trying to present the image that the process is open,” he explained.

Okafor said that PMAN has rejected the process in its entirety based on the fact that the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Abiru, is not an author, painter, artist or a musician.

“As far as we know, we are not able to trace any interest to him that could be classified as copyright-related that would make him so interested in pushing a Bill that would affect the lives and constitutional rights of millions of Nigerian stakeholders without their knowledge and input.

We have contacted our allies in other organisations and associations and they expressed the same worries. Some have actually written to the Senate leadership expressing their concerns. Our concern is more fuelled by a recent Public Hearing held on 16th and 17th June, 2021 by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values on the ‘Bill to Repeal the National Film and Video Censor’s Board Act and Enact the National Film and Video Censorship, Classification and Exhibition Regulatory Commission Bill 2019’ in its place. Up till now, stakeholders in the industry are not aware of the Bill and its contents.

“PMAN is stating for the umpteenth time and for the records that the works of our intellect, which consist of literary works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings and performances are our private property. They are our constitutional and fundamental human rights. Any attempt to tamper with them with a view to appropriate them for anybody or authority, be it private or public, shall be resisted.”

 


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KongaFM 103.7 Garners Thousands of Listeners, Gets Rave Reviews

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KongaFM 103.7, the 24/7 innovative hit music and commerce radio station, has taken the airwaves by storm since its recent launch.

KongaFM 103.7 Garners Thousands of Listeners, Gets Rave Reviews

Operating on terrestrial frequencies in Lagos on 103.7 and streaming online for listeners globally at www.kongafm.com, KongaFM has quickly become a favourite among audiences.

The radio station blends entertainment, inspiration, and commerce in a way that is both refreshing and impactful.

Despite being in its test run phase, the station has already garnered thousands of listeners, with many praising its professionalism, unique programming, and commitment to delivering value.

The station kicked off with an exciting mix of hit music, motivational content, and commercial activities, setting itself apart as a trailblazer in the radio industry.

True to its promise, KongaFM has been inspiring listeners while offering exclusive deals and opportunities.

One of the standout features of the station is its daily exclusive deals segment, broadcast from 7:00 to 8:00 AM.

Listeners have lauded the genuineness of these deals, with many expressing their satisfaction with the quality and affordability of the products promoted.

Feedback from listeners has been overwhelmingly positive. During a recent show on Thursday afternoon, the station was inundated with calls from enthusiastic listeners eager to share their thoughts.

While not all calls could be taken, the feedback received was nothing short of astounding, especially for a newcomer in the radio industry.

One listener, Grace Yusuf, mentioned how the station has positively impacted her daily routine.

“KongaFM is my go-to station every morning while commuting to work. The gospel music is great, while other content and inspiring discussions keep me motivated throughout the day,” she said.

Tunde Obaposh, currently pursuing his PhD in Robotics in Kansas, shared his experience streaming Konga FM online.

“I believe KongaFM is going to redefine the standard in the radio space. I love how they incorporate AI into their broadcasts, making the experience seamless and engaging,” he noted.

Another enthusiastic listener, Michael Arinze, described KongaFM as “a breath of fresh air in the radio space.

They’ve not only delivered on their promise of hit music but have also created a platform where businesses can thrive. I’ve already taken advantage of two deals they promoted, and I can confirm they’re genuine.”

What truly sets KongaFM apart is its commitment to inspiring and motivating its audience. From the best gospel hits from 5:00 – 7:00 AM to thought-provoking discussions and hit music throughout the day, the station has created a unique listening experience that resonates with a wide range of audiences.

As the station continues gaining momentum, one thing remains certain — KongaFM 103.7 has carved a niche for itself in the industry.

With a unique blend of entertainment, business empowerment, and audience engagement, it is no surprise that many have hailed it as a game-changer in the Nigerian radio landscape. For those yet to tune in, KongaFM promises an exciting and rewarding experience.

 

 


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TikTok Deletes over 2m Videos in Nigeria for Policy Violations

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TikTok, social media giant, has reaffirmed its commitment to online safety by removing more than two million videos in Nigeria between July and September 2024 for violating its Community Guidelines.

TikTok Deletes over 2m Videos in Nigeria for Policy Violations

According to its Q3 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, 99.1 percent of these videos were taken down within 24 hours of being posted.

With millions of videos uploaded daily by its over one billion users worldwide, TikTok has continued to improve its content moderation efforts through advanced technology.

The platform’s proactive detection rate has now reached 98.2 percent globally, allowing it to identify and remove harmful content before it reaches viewers.

 

Between July and September 2024, TikTok removed over 147 million videos worldwide, with 118 million taken down through automation.

In Nigeria, 92.1 percent of all removed videos were taken down before any user reported them, reflecting the platform’s proactive moderation strategy.

The report highlights the most common policy violations that led to content removal in Nigeria.

These include sensitive and mature themes, where 99.4 percent of flagged videos were removed before any user report.

Content related to regulated goods and commercial activities, including scams and the illegal sale of items such as firearms or explosives, accounted for 99.1 percent of removals before user reports.

Additionally, content categorized under mental and behavioral health, which could negatively impact users, particularly younger audiences, saw a 99.9 percent removal rate before any user reports.

TikTok maintains that its mission to inspire creativity and bring joy is built on a foundation of user safety and content integrity.

The platform continues to invest in Trust and Safety professionals who work alongside advanced technology to enforce its Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and Advertising Policies.

By prioritising a positive and secure digital space, TikTok aims to ensure that users can create, connect, and be entertained without exposure to harmful content.

 


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Nigeria’s Brightest Young Minds to Compete in Spelling Bee Finals

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The highly anticipated finals of the Spellingbee in Nigeria (SpIN) will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the U.S. Consulate’s Residence in Lagos.

This milestone event will see 64 outstanding finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States competing for the championship title, marking a historic moment as Nigeria makes its debut in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, USA.

The winner of SpIN ’25 National Finals receives an all-expense-paid trip to represent Nigeria at the 100th edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, a centennial celebration of academic excellence that has shaped young minds for generations.

Beyond crowning a champion, the National Finals underscores SpIN’s core mission: cultivating academic excellence, linguistic mastery, and a commitment to fostering educational and leadership opportunities for young learners.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, Convener of Spelling Bee in Nigeria, an affiliate of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, USA, emphasized the competition’s transformative impact on young learners.

“This competition is more than just spelling—it builds confidence, public speaking skills, and critical thinking, preparing students for global opportunities.

“We are thrilled by the enthusiasm it has received and the doors it will open for Nigeria’s brightest young minds.”

The event, which is set to attract members of the diplomatic corps, C-Suite executives, high net worth parents and educational leaders, is made possible through the support of key partners: Indomie Noodles (Title Sponsor), Checkers Custard (Co-Sponsor), and partnerships with Lucid Education Initiative, the U.S. Consul-General Lagos, the American Business Council of Nigeria, the Rotary Club of VI East, and AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency (PR Partner).

Spellingbee in Nigeria is a prestigious competition affiliated with the globally renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee, USA. It is dedicated to promoting literacy, vocabulary development, and critical thinking among Nigerian students, equipping them with skills to compete on a global stage.


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