Broadcasting
Copyright Commission, NPA, Ariaria Booksellers Sign MoU Against Book Piracy
Dr. John O. Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has assured stakeholders in the book industry of the Commission’s continued commitment to antipiracy measures to facilitate creation of safe corridors for stakeholders in the creative sector to enable right owners reap dividends of their intellectual property (IP).
The Director-General disclosed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the NCC, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and Booksellers Association of the Ariaria International Market, Aba, at the Abia State Capital, Umuahia recently.
The MOU, geared towards preventing the sales of pirated books in Ariaria Market, was witnessed by the representative of Abia State Government and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Chief (Sir) Michael Egwu.
Speaking during the signing of the MOU, the NCC Director-General informed that the MOU would be executed in other states of the country.
Assuring the booksellers that the MOU would be to their advantage, he urged the traders to abide by the agreement as the MOU had been negotiated and reviewed by the parties before the signing.
Mr. Asein stated that the copyright system must be allowed to grow and put food on the tables of authors with adequate returns on their investments in order to attract more investors which would ultimately contribute meaningfully to the economy of the states and the nation.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to the rules for all stakeholders in the book value chain – particularly the authors, printers, publishers and booksellers.
In his remarks, the representative of the State Government and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Chief (Sir) Michael Egwu, said the MOU would harmonise all sectors in the creative industry to operate seamlessly for the benefit of all.
He expressed happiness that Abia State was chosen to pilot the initiative and commended the Director-General for his humility and doggedness.
Chief Austin Onwubiko, the Deputy President, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), decried the challenges faced by publishers in Nigeria as “the benefits accruable to them are being enjoyed by pirates who reproduce their works and flood the markets”.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Booksellers Association of Ariaria International Market, Aba, represented by the Chairman, Books and Stationaries Section, Mr. Uchenna Echetam, said the booksellers welcomed the development but pleaded for fair treatment.
The Director-General further remarked the that the Commission adopted a balanced approach in its regulatory measures and warned that it would not spare any proprietor, school head or any person in any school caught distributing or selling pirated materials.
Others in attendance during the signing of the MOU were: an NCC Board member and N.P.A. Executive Council member, Dr. (Sir) Jesse Odu; Chairman, Taskforce Booksellers Association, Ariaria International Market, Aba, Mr. Tochukwu Emenike, and Secretary, Booksellers Association, Ariaria International Market, Aba, Mr. Valentine Uzor.
MultiChoice Nigeria, today announced the highly anticipated return of Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, for its landmark 10th season. Set to premiere over two nights on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025, the new season promises 10 weeks of captivating drama, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled entertainment, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The audition process for this milestone season was meticulously designed to unearth the most engaging and dynamic personalities from across Nigeria. Audition registrations were held from May 3rd to May 7th, 2025, and saw an overwhelming response, followed by rigorous in-person auditions conducted in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu from May 16th to May 18th, 2025.
Speaking on the upcoming season, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, General Entertainment, MultiChoice Group, expressed her excitement: “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy.”
While the official theme for Season 10 will be unveiled on the premiere night, viewers can anticipate a fresh wave of excitement. The beloved Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is returning as host, guiding viewers through every twist and turn of the season. This 10th season also has the highest prize at stake – valued at a whopping N150million.
Fans can catch the premier live on July 26 and 27 exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase, Family and Showmax at 7 PM WAT. The Sunday live eviction shows will also air exclusively on these channels. The 24/7 live stream will be available on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax.
“BBNaija has become more than just a television show; it is a living, breathing cultural force. It has given voice to a new generation of talent, creatives, entertainers, and the influencer community, and it has refined what homegrown entertainment can achieve when it is done at scale with intention and ambition,” added Tejumola.
With a two-night opening live show for Big Brother Naija Season 10, the season is poised to build upon the legacy of its predecessors, with fans expecting a more dynamic and entertaining experience. Still speaking on what the season holds Dr. Tejumola said “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy. From the very first time we introduced Big Brother Naija in 2017, we had an inkling that we had something special. What we couldn’t fully imagine then is how deeply the show would resonate not only in Nigeria but across Africa and in the global diaspora, where our stories continue to connect people to home.”
This milestone season for the iconic show is not without the usual lineup of sponsors. The gold sponsor for the 10th season of the show is Guinness Nigeria. Other sponsors include Smirnoff, Gordons, HFM, Pepsi, Aquafina, Supakomando, Tolaram Group, Bet King, Golden Penny Foods, Haier Thermocool, Checkers custard, and Innoson Motors, among others.
Viewers can catch all the live action and special broadcasts on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and Showmax. The live Sunday eviction shows will air exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8), Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7) and on Showmax.
DStv and GOtv subscribers can also watch the show on the go using the DStv and GOtv Stream apps available on the Google Play Store and IOS App Store.
Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), a tech-driven network of young professionals, is set to unveil its operational hub in Anambra State as part of efforts to deepen digital engagement and community outreach.
The launch, scheduled for July 17, 2025, will take place at 10 Uche Ekwunife Crescent, Iyiagu Estate, Awka, and is expected to serve as a nerve centre for collaboration, innovation and support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s smart city agenda.
Convener of GEFAS, Mr Fred Agbata, said the initiative reflects the group’s commitment to digital progress and grassroots mobilisation.
“This space reinforces our support for Governor Soludo’s vision of a smart, prosperous Anambra. It’s also a demonstration of what young innovators can achieve when united behind a bigger goal—the re-election of Governor Soludo,” he said.
Agbata added that the hub would provide a platform for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and creatives to co-create solutions that address local challenges and promote inclusive development.
GEFAS has called on stakeholders, youth groups and members of the public to attend the launch and engage with the opportunities the space will offer.
American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria and the ProFuturo Foundation have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the educational sector through digital innovation and technology.
The programme, which is being implemented in conjunction with the Kukah Centre, is expected to benefit over 5,600 school children and 34 teachers across 11 schools in Kano, Kebbi and Taraba states.
The initiative is part of a broader global collaboration between American Tower and ProFuturo Foundation, targeting education gaps in seven African and Latin American countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ATC Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Mr Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, said the partnership was aligned with the company’s Digital Communities programme, which facilitates technology-driven learning, financial literacy for adults and access to healthcare services in underserved areas.
“At ATC Nigeria, we are proud to support this impactful collaboration, which brings digital tools directly into classrooms. This partnership is not just about equipment—it’s about giving children the future they deserve,” he said.
General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, Ms Magdalena Brier, described the partnership as a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering vulnerable communities.
“This alliance reinforces our mission to transform lives by improving access to education and digital tools. Every child and teacher reached through this programme is a testament to what we can achieve together,” she said.
Each school will be equipped with a digital learning kit, which includes computers, tablets, routers, projectors and other essential components tailored to foster interactive learning—even in areas with limited connectivity.
The initiative seeks to strengthen innovative teaching practices and promote inclusive education through digital transformation, with active support from local authorities who were present at the official launch.
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