Dr. John O. Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has restated the Commission’s commitment to supporting all sectors of the creative industry to reward creatives and boost the nation’s economy.

The DG NCC stated this while receiving 2024 finalists of the National IP Creative Essay Competition, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Nigeria Office who paid a study visit to the Commission recently.

Pointing to the issue of contracts as one area that is being looked into, he emphasized that contracts should be fair and transparent with terms that are not unreasonable, enslaving or unduly onerous.

While acknowledging the long and tortuous process of statutory reform, Dr. Asein assured right owners and other stakeholders in the creative industry that the commission has commenced the process of reviewing the recently passed Copyright Act with a view to identifying areas of improvement.

In the meantime, he announced that the Commission will be putting in place administrative mechanisms to help right owners, through the provision of model contractual clauses, better negotiate and conclude contractual terms.

The Director-General also informed the visitors that the Commission has Alternative Dispute Resolution facilities to help right owners settle copyright disputes.

Congratulating the essay finalists, Dr. Asein used the opportunity to announce their induction as Copyright Ambassadors and urged them to be good representatives of the Commission and the copyright industry.

Dr. Tobi Moody, Director, WIPO Nigeria Office and leader of the delegation, informed the Commission that a total of 256 students from 68 tertiary institutions in 27 States entered for the competition, with a winner and 19 finalists emerging.

Dr. Moody disclosed that the Competition is in line with WIPO’s policy of encouraging students to research and be actively involved in Intellectual Property (IP) matters. He assured that WIPO will support the finalists with capacity building prizes and opportunities to further strengthen their engagement in the field of IP.

The theme for the 2024 essay competition is “IP and Sustainable Agriculture: Combating Food Insecurity in Nigeria”.

Mr. Ikenna Mba, a year-four law student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka emerged the overall winner of the competition while Mr. Chinonso Izundu, a year-five law student of the University of Port Harcourt and Mr. Adekunle Olajide, a year-four law student of University of Ilorin, were first and second runners-up respectively.

Women Radio 97.1, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, has made history by unveiling “NIM”, Nigeria’s first Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant.’

The unveiling took place during the 2024 Women Radio Summit, signalling a transformative era for radio broadcasting in Nigeria.

The initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence into traditional radio broadcasting, represents a paradigm shift in how radio content is created, distributed, and consumed. In her welcome message, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio 97.1, shares her aims to inspire others into AI’s future, expand access to reliable information, and enhance the listener experience by blending advanced technology with human-centred communication.

The event featured some keynote speeches from:

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of Rise Network, emphasised the role of science and technology in empowering women and reshaping media landscapes.

Adedeji Adekunle, programmes director of the Nigeria Media Innovation Program, discussed the critical intersection of AI, innovation, and media development in Nigeria. As well as

Sam Onigbanjo, managing director of AI Academy for Beginners, enumerates ways to upskill for maximum integration.

The summit featured an insightful panel discussion on how artificial intelligence can enhance journalism and broadcasting while upholding ethics and professionalism. Esteemed panellists included:

Motunrayo Alaka, executive director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, stressed the need for maintaining ethical standards in AI-driven journalism.

Kayode Okikiolu, a Channels TV anchor, discussed the integration of AI in traditional media formats to engage broader audiences and highlighted AI’s potential in diversifying content delivery and improving inclusivity in media.

A highly recommended fact-checking resource was the Dubawa.ai chatbot, an app that was showcased at the summit to verify and debunk misinformation, analyse, transcribe, and document files in archives. It is the radio monitoring feature, an initiative of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

‘NIMI’, the Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, is the brainchild of technical engineer Tayo Kalejaiye.

This revolutionary AI radio host is designed to provide seamless interactions with listeners, offering valuable resources, news updates, and support for both on-air and online delivery. By combining AI with traditional broadcasting, ‘NIMI’ aims to enhance accessibility, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified and underserved communities are reached.

QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.

Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.

On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.

His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.

“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.

“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.

Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”

QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.

“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.

“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”

QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.

Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.