FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER, GEOFFREY ONYEAMA, HEADLINES 2017 COSON LECTURE IN LAGOS

 

The Jupiter Hall of Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos was bursting at its seams this Monday, October 30, 2017 as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama on Day 2 of the much talked about COSON Week, engaged the nation’s intelligentsia, experts on intellectual property and drivers of the Nigerian creative industry at the 2017 COSON Lecture. Present were several eminent Intellectual Property lawyers, teachers and students of law and serious practitioners in the Nigerian creative industry. Among those present were the Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; immediate past president of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria, Prof. Bankole Sodipo; immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Prof. Adebambo Adewopo SAN; Dean Faculty of Law, University of Lagos;  Ms. Iyabode Oshodi, representing the Attorney-General of Lagos State; human rights activist and Commissioner in NDDC, Mr. Ogaga Ifowodo; eminent IP lawyer, Mr. Rockson Igelige, etc

                       

Mr. Onyeama, who before being appointed Minister was Deputy Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Geneva based agency of the United Nations, spoke on “Intellectual Property Rights in the New Global Knowledge Economy” a subject with which he is clearly at home. He poured encomium on the COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji for his forcefulness and consistency in promoting the intellectual property cause in Nigeria and across the continent.

The minister did a thorough examination of the intellectual property landscape across the world, the trade related aspects of intellectual property (TRIPS) and the role of IP in the World Trade Organization (WTO). He was clear that without a firm appreciation of the role of intellectual property in economic development, the Nigerian economy will not reach its optimum.

DIZZY K. FALOLA ARRIVES LAGOS FROM LONDON FOR COSON WEEK

Nigeria’s original music wizkid, Dizzy K Falola who rocked the nation silly in the 80s and 90s with hit songs like ‘Baby Kilode’, ‘Sweet Music’ and ‘Excuse Me Baby’ touched down in Lagos this morning from London to participate in the big activities of the COSON Week which kicks off in grand style in Lagos this Sunday with the red carpet national day of prayer and invocation at Trinity House in Victoria Island, tagged COSON IN THE CHURCH. Dizzy K. Falola who is now a respected pastor in the United Kingdom will be on stage at Trinity House and will join the nightingales of Nigeria and pastors from different denominations to sing and pray for the well being of the Nigerian nation and its people.

 

POLICE ASSURES WATER-TIGHT SECURITY AT 2017 COSON WEEK

 

The Lagos State Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. A. A Mohammed has assured that security will be first class at all the 8 events of the 2017 COSON Week which begins in Lagos this Sunday, October 29. 

Mr. Mohammed who was speaking at COSON HOUSE in Ikeja when he met with the Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, emphatically stated that the Lagos Police Command is ready for the COSON Week, and that signals are being sent to the relevant police units to ensure that security is water-tight. 

FINAL NOMINEES OF THE COSON SONG AWARDS MADE PUBLIC

 

FINAL NOMINEES OF THE COSON SONG AWARDS MADE PUBLIC

 

As Nigerians hold their breath for the 2017 show of all shows, the COSON Song Awards, the nominees for the big award event which is the climax of the much talked about COSON Week 2017, has been released.

As the nation’s glitterati and paparazzi get ready with the most sizzling fashion to be on parade at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, on Sunday, November 5, 2017 to celebrate Nigeria’s best of the best, arrangements are being concluded for the COSON Song Awards ‘Red Carpet Fantastico’ to roll out at 5.00 pm. The COSON Song Awards is strictly, strictly and strictly, by a Passport like classified invitation.

Music fans across the world can participatein deciding the winners who will take home the bronze work called ‘Awoko” by voting for the nominee of their choice and texting the listed code numberof the song to 0818 060 8737. For instance, if your choice for Best Song in Melody is ‘Bank Alert’ by P-Square, you text SA11 to 0818 060 8737.If your choice for Best Song in Lyrics is ‘No Forget’ by Adekunle Gold, you text SA25 to 0818 060 8737.

The Nominees are as follows:-

BEST SONG IN MELODY (SA1)                                                           (CODE)

1.      Bank Alert – Psquare                                                                              (SA11)

2.      Made for you – Banky W                                                                       (SA12)

3.      Eleko–Mayorkun                                                                                   (SA13)

4.      Osinachi–Humblesmith                                                                          (SA14)

5.      Medicine – Timi Dakolo                                                                         (SA15)

2017 COSON WEEK EXPLODES WITH BUMPER EDITION OF ‘THE NIGERIAN MUSIC MACHINE’ – THE FULL GLOSS STUNNER

An important part of the events of the much advertised COSON Week 2017 which grips the nation from October 29 and climaxes on November 5 will be the publication of a new bumper edition of the Nigerian Music Machine, the full gloss magazine with never before seen photographs and text, tracking the highpoints of key aspects of the effervescent Nigerian music industry, the people, institutions and brands driving the industry. Thousands will get to read the magazine during the COSON Week and long after. 

The 2017 Nigerian Music Machine will be food for the eyes, a collectors’ item that will be read and read for many years. Every article is being written by a writer who knows his onions. The Nigerian Music Machine will provide records, information and entertainment not available anywhere else. It will be the authoritative reference material on the industry.

I AM VERY ANGRY AT THE ATTEMPT TO DISCREDIT THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY SUMMIT – CHIEF TONY OKOROJI

On the 17th and 18th of July. I attended the Creative Industry Summit held at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. No one sent me a special invitation to the summit. I have always been interested in any serious conversation that can bring progress to the Nigerian creative sector. I therefore went to www.creativenigeria.org, the heavily advertised website of the summit, to register, cancelled previous engagements and attended the summit on both days and I was happy I did.

To the best of my knowledge, most of the stakeholders who thronged the venue on both days of the summit registered on line like me and no one who showed up was turned back. I was in no way involved in the organization of the summit neither was I listed as a speaker. I enjoyed listening to the recommendations made by speaker after speaker to addressing the nation’s challenges in developing a truly vibrant creative sector. Having organized similar events in the past, I could not but appreciate the effort made to put together such a successful event. At the end, I sought out Ms Taiwo Olukunle of Think Tank Media whom I was told developed the idea for the summit and executed it. I was meeting Ms Olukunle for the first time and I commended her for what I thought was a very professional job.

“100 OF NIGERIA’S BEST STARS FOR COSON WEEK 2017” – TONY OKOROJI

 

The Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji has declared that at the next COSON Week holding from October 27 to November 3, 2017, it will be clear to one and all that Nigerian entertainment has truly come of age and that creative people in Nigeria can stand shoulder to shoulder to any group of creatives anywhere in the world.

According to the celebrated former President of PMAN, “we are not going to cut any corners at COSON Week 2017. At each of the seven different events holding on seven different days at seven different venues in Lagos, the best production values in the continent will be on display. Lovers of first rate entertainment are assured that every single event of COSON Week 2017 will be turbo charged. It will be 777!”

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS AS COSON WEEK 2017 ROLLS OUT IN OCTOBER!

 

Chairman Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, has announced that COSON Week 2017 will hold from October 27 to November 3.

Speaking from the magnificent new COSON House, Lagos to a select group of journalists on a conference call over the weekend, Chief Okoroji responded to the question why COSON Week did not hold in 2016. The renowned writer/producer and Africa’s top intellectual property advocate said, “From the beginning, we took the decision that the COSON Week will be held every two years. COSON Week is the ‘World Cup’ of entertainment in Nigeria or if you prefer, the Olympic Games. Seven mega events in seven different venues over seven days! That is no beans. The planning and logistics are mind boggling. You cannot do that every year. It is the same way the World Cup cannot hold every year. We skip a year to reboot and refresh and come up with more exciting ideas. Everywhere I go people keep asking me, ‘when is the COSON Week going to hold?’ Now you can say to them categorically that COSON Week 2017 will hold from October 27 to November 3”.

COSON CHAIRMAN, OKOROJI FELICITATES WITH MUSICIANS ON WORLD MUSIC DAY

Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji has sent greetings to musicians across the Nigerian nation and across the world on World Music Day being celebrated on June 21, 2017 in hundreds of cities in every part of the globe.

In his message, the former President of PMAN said “those of us who have been given the special gift to spread joy to mankind with our beautiful art of music must recognize that what we have is a rare privilege. At a time when many across the world are under tremendous stress and strife stares so much of mankind in the face, we must compellingly speak the language of music, the language of love, a language that knows no boarders and use our special gift to reduce hate, bring people together and put a smile on the faces of God’s children”

SATURDAY, JUNE 24 IS DOLZI’S DAY! - AS TOPS UNVEILS ‘THE KING OF MELODY’

 

He is silky smooth, good looking and immensely talented. His name is Dolzi. The hugely versatile Afro-Pop singer who is at home with R&B, Reggae, Dancehall and Highlife is a music lover’s delight.

Nicknamed ‘King of Melody’ by those who have seen him do his thing, Dolzi has become one of the pillars of the TOPS revolution redefining the presentation of popular music in Nigeria.

Dolzi whose real name is Chiedozie Emmanuel Ugoala was born on May 22, 1990 in Lagos. At the age of 7, Dolzi joined the junior choir of his church and later graduated to the senior choir.

Why Patrick Doyle believes Davido’s song, ‘If’ is bad for Nigerian youths

Veteran media personality, Patrick Doyle has faulted Davido‘s hit song ‘If’ as having a negative influence on young people.

Doyle said this in a recent interview with HipTV, saying pop culture impacts people in a very subtle and insidious manner, going on to reference the popular ‘thirty billion for the account o’ line from the song.

According to him, Davido may not understand what he has done by singing that line, which he says could influence a child to wanting to make such an amount by any means necessary; even if it’s criminal.

Do you agree with him that Davido’s popular line in the song is negative on young ones?

Share your thoughts.

PAPARAZZI JAMS PAPARAZZI AS THE GLITTERATI STORMS COSON HOUSE ON JUNE 12

 

They could not contain themselves! Those who catalogue the comings and goings of the stars and celebrities were in full force at COSON House, the sparkling new edifice built for the musicians of Nigeria by the unstoppable Tony Okoroji. From every imaginable media establishment in Nigeria, they came with every imaginable make of video and still cameras. They fought for vantage positions to record the historic June 12 lecture of Ovation Publisher, Dele Momodu and party with KASI, the singing sensation born on June 12, 1993, who thrilled everybody silly on the COSON House stage.   

Oluwaleimu Street off Allen Avenue in the heart of Ikeja was practically on lock down as the expansive and enchanting red carpet laid in front of COSON House with lights streaming from the bowels of  the earth and cocktails flowing seamlessly, struggled to contain Nigeria’s Glitterati who streamed in from every corner of the country to answer the call of Nigeria’s ultimate showbiz Mega

Wow! Have U Seen Actress, Tasha Smith’s, TWIN Sister? U Gotta See Her!

BAM!!! Don’t adjust your screen because you are not seeing double and if you where glasses, don’t even trip, your prescription is fine. This is Tasha and her twin, Sidra Smith. These ladies are exactly the same and the only difference is that Sidra where’s her hair short. They’re extremely close and often draw a lot of attention when they’re photo’d out together.

Sidra Smith is a movie director, a casting agent, and film producer. One of her works (along with her long time friend, Jada Pinkett-Smith) is the documentary on political activist, Angela Davis, titled, Free Angela and All Political Prisoners. That documentary highlighted the months Davis spent on trial for murder, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy charges in 1972.

ABIOLA HONOURED AT COSON HOUSE AS DELE MOMODU SPEAKS ON ‘JUNE 12 AND THE LESSONS OF HISTORY’ AND KASI HOLDS EVERYONE SPELL BOUND.

 

 It was a beehive of activities on Monday June 12, 2017 as hundreds of gaily dressed dignitaries and journalists across varied media establishments in the country thronged the newly commissioned magnificent COSON House located on Oluwaleimu Street in Ikeja for the June 12 celebration. The celebration encompassed a lecture themed ‘June 12 and the Lessons of History’ which had journalist and Publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu as guest speaker and the birthday celebration of TOPS first lady, the incredible singer, KASI, the June 12 Girl, born on June 12, 1993. 

The event which began with a splendid cocktail on the posh red carpet laid out in front of COSON House witnessed the grand arrivals of top figures such as the former chairman of NCC, Professor Egerton Uvieghara; the Guv’nor of Niteshift Coliseum, Mr. Ken Calebs Olumese; Vice President Airtel Nigeria, Mr Emeka Oparah; BISCON C.E.O, Prince Bisi Olatilo; Hip TV Boss, Mr. Ayo Animashaun; Global Excellence Publisher, Mr. Mayor Akinpelu; Ovation International Magazine Editor, Mr. Mike Effiong;  Yes International magazine Publisher, Sir Azuh Arinze; former MD of the Sun Newspapers and Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr Tony Onyima; former Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Dr Austin Izagbo; Media guru, Cally Ikpe, Ace Nollywood actor and producer, Mr. Patrick Doyle; Intellectual property guru, Professor Bankole Sodipo; Activist Lawyer, Mr. Rockson Igelige;  Celebrated international digital radio host, Alex Okoroji; Music stars, 2 Face Idibia; Princess Annie Inyang, Kenny Saint Best, King Wadada, Chris Mba, D’lyte, G-Wilz, Kul-GP and Chief MKO Abiola’s son, Ola Abiola among many others.

Speaking on the theme ‘June 12 and the Lessons of History’, the Ovation publisher revealed that Nigeria is run by a mafia comprising of a few men and that it was them and their Cappo Di Tutti Cappi ( Boss of all bosses) who decide who rules the country. Bashorun Momodu went on to say that these men were not happy that Chief Abiola had won the elections without their support, and that was the genesis of the June 12 problem. 

OKOROJI CONGRATULATES DAUGHTER, ALEX, FOR MAKING RICHTOPIA’S TOP 250 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THE WORLD.

 

Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and CEO, TOPS, Chief Tony Okoroji has congratulated his first daughter, Alex Okoroji who has recently been listed as one of the top 250 most influential women in the world by Richtopia, the world-renowned UK based digital platform famous for their global lists.

The widely followed writer and International Digital Talk Radio Host famous for ‘The Naked Talk’ is currently ranked as the No 163 most influential woman in the world.

Currently at No1 is the American Democratic Presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton, Michelle Obama is at No 6 while German Chancellor Angela Merkel is at no 18 and British Prime Minister, Theresa May is currently at No 22. Media personalities in the list include the author, J.K. Rowling at No 3, Oprah Winfrey at No 4, Ellen Degeneres at No 20 and CNN’s Christiana Amanpour at No 28. Three other Nigerian women made the list. They are Oby Ezekwesili at 93, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala at 156 and Abike Dabiri at 161.

OVATION PUBLISHER, DELE MOMODU, SPEAKS AT COSON HOUSE ON JUNE 12

 

The sparkling new COSON House Arena on Oluwaleimu St, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, will on Monday, June 12, 2017 play host to the publisher of Ovation International magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu. The quintessential journalist and motivational speaker, Dele Momodu who was a key figure in the June 12 Movement will be at the arena to speak to a top selection of the Media, Artistes, Political Activists and young people on “June 12 and the Lessons of History”

Also at the event, there will be plenty to eat and drink as the Glitterati of Nigeria bubbles and shuffles to the music of KASI, the red - hot power-bike riding star singer born on June 12, 1993, the very day Nigerians in the east, west north and south of the country trooped to the polls to elect Moshood Abiola as President of Africa’s largest nation in the annulled election considered by many to be Nigeria’s freest ever.

Nollywood actress passes away at 42 Moji Olaiya, who was popular for her roles in "No Pains No Gain," "Nkan Adun" and "Agunbaniro" has passed away.

   

 

Moji Olaiya, who was popular for her roles in "No Pains No Gain," "Nkan Adun" and "Agunbaniro" has reportedly passed away.

Born February 27, 1975, the actress who welcomed a baby in March 2017, passed away in Canada.

Founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi broke the news of her death via Instagram.

"Breaking news @MojiOlaiya dies in Canada. Details soon," he wrote.

Toyin Aimakhu also shared a photo of the actress, writing "RIP" with sad emojis.

She recently released her movie "Iya Okomi," which starred her alongside Foluke Daramola and Funsho Adeolu.

In 2003, she was nominated for the Reel Award Best Supporting Actress of the Year.

Football Fixtures

Tuesday 9th May 2017

	UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	JuventusvMonaco (agg 2-0)	19:45	PreviewJuventus Vs Monaco

	LADBROKES SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP - PLAY-OFF QUARTER-FINAL
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	Greenock MortonvDundee United	19:45

	WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE 1 SPRING SERIES
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	Bristol City WomenvManchester City Women	19:00

	THE FA WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE - NORTHERN DIVISION
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	West Bromwich Albion WFCvDerby Ladies	19:45

Wednesday 10th May 2017

	UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	Atlético MadridvReal Madrid (agg 0-3)	19:45

	PREMIER LEAGUE
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	SouthamptonvArsenal	19:45

	LADBROKES SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP - PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	AirdrieoniansvAlloa Athletic	19:45
	Brechin CityvRaith Rovers	19:45

	LADBROKES SCOTTISH LEAGUE ONE - PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL
Show last 5 matches and coverage	Fixture	Kick-off	Status
	Annan AthleticvForfar Athletic	19:45
	MontrosevPeterhead	19:45