Broadcasting
NCC Partners MOPPAN, Set to Reintroduce Hologram Stamps
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in collaboration with stakeholders, will soon reintroduce the hologram scheme to boost copyright regulation and anti-piracy interventions in selected copyright industries.
Mr. John O. Asein, director-general of NCC, disclosed this recently in Abuja while receiving a delegation of Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) and Arewa Film Makers Association of Nigeria (AFMAN) led by Dr. Ahmad M. Safari, MOPPAN national president.
Mr. Asein stated that the Commission would collaborate with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the reintroduction of the hologram stamps would strengthen the Commission’s renewed enforcement drive by aiding the identification of genuine copyright works.
The Commission and MOPPAN representatives also discussed various strategies to sanitise the production and distribution channels in the movie industry, particularly in the northern part of the country.
He noted that while much of copyright dealings were now online, there was still a huge volume of works in the physical space.
Expressing regret that some vested interests had scuttled the implementation of the hologram scheme when it was first introduced by the Commission over two decades ago, he indicated that the scheme would be reintroduced to run first as a voluntary scheme and eventually be made mandatory for certain categories of works.
“All we want is to have a credible, a security marker that would enable the average man on the street distinguish between original and pirated copyright works. This would strengthen the anti-piracy drive of the Commission and enhance copyright protection,” he stated.
The director-general also expressed concerns about the proliferation of dubbing and voice-over of foreign movies which he said constituted copyright infringement under Nigerian copyright law and warned perpetrators to desist from such illegal acts.
Observing that the Commission has a duty to protect the interests of foreign copyright owners as much as other countries have obligations to protect Nigeria’s copyright interests, he cautioned that the Commission would intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute all forms of criminal copyright infringement.
“We must take necessary steps to check the infringing voice-over of local and foreign movies. We may have to combine our powers over piracy with the powers of the NVFCB over uncensored movies, first to enlighten the public and eventually clean up the streets of such criminality across the country” he stressed.
Decrying the socio-economic damage that pirates and copyright thefts cause, Mr. Asein reassured MOPPAN that the Commission would continue to institute and implement policies that would further encourage and secure investments in the copyright industry while making piracy less attractive.
“Nigeria at 60 gives us the creative sector an opportunity to look inwards and celebrate Nigeria. I assure you that, going forward, the Commission will be available to walk the streets and markets with you to send the message in very clear terms that Nigeria is not a dumping ground for foreign movies, with or without voice-over. We should promote this administration’s policy of Nigeria first in the entertainment industry”, he stated.
He appealed to film makers to patronize only legitimate replicating and duplicating plants to further discourage piracy.
The director-general urged stakeholders to support NCC’s regulatory and enforcement initiatives, stressing that despite the challenges of inadequate operational facilities, the Commission remained committed to discharging its statutory mandates.
He gave an assurance that the Commission would review and provide practitioners in the various copyright industries with model contracts to help safeguard their rights and promote rancour-free copyright dealings.
The director-general also disclosed that the Commission has introduced major policy initiatives to respond to the peculiar needs in the copyright industry, such as boarder and international ports policing, the Online Enforcement Unit, the regulation of duplicators, as well as intensified raids of piracy hotspots across the country.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Safari, national president of MOPPAN, identified the main challenges undermining the growth of the movie industry as piracy; illegal voice-over on foreign movies in the Hausa language; unauthorised content upload on social media platforms; and lack of model contractual agreements in the film industry.
While appreciating the efforts of the Commission at repositioning the creative industry, Dr. Safari urged the NCC to sustain its partnership with stakeholders across all the sectors of the copyright industry.
The MOPPAN National President was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman, MOPPAN in the F.C.T., Alhaji Habib Barde Mohammed; National Coordinator of Arewa Film Makers Association of Nigeria (AFMAN), Alhaji Ahmad Turaki Kaka and MOPPAN Secretary, Mr. Dalhatu Sule.
Directors of the Commission in attendance were the Director, Regulatory Department, Mr. Augustine Amodu; Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (NCA), Mr. Mike Akpan; Director of Enforcement, Mr. Obi Ezeilo; and the Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso.
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.
The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.
Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.
He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.
Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.
The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.
The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.
The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.
Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.
Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist from The Sun Newspaper, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to ICT journalism in Nigeria.
Chinenye Anuforo receiving the ATAEx Award presented by Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, executive secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)
Last week, she received the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that highlight the complexities and potential of the ICT sector.
“Chinenye’s dedication to her craft is evident in her insightful analysis and engaging storytelling,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the ATAEx Awards.
“Her work has consistently illuminated the significant impact of technology on society, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”
The accolades continued as Anuforo was named the ICT Reporter of the Year at the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) just a week later.
This prestigious award further cements her status as a leading voice in the ICT industry.
Mr. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, who presented the award, praised Anuforo’s role in shaping public discourse on ICT issues.
“Her reports have not only informed but also inspired, making her a true champion of digital innovation,” he said.
Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive these awards.
“I am grateful to my editors at The Sun Newspapers for their unwavering support and to the organizers of the ATAEx Awards and Africa Digital Awards for recognizing my work.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector in Nigeria through journalism.”
Flymate Travel Limited, a pioneering travel solutions provider, has launched Visadoc, a cutting-edge travel app designed to streamline and enhance user experiences worldwide.
Visadoc simplifies Travel and enhancing convenience by empowering travelers to manage their journey from visa applications to booking accommodations and flights. Key features include:
– Seamless Visa Application Process: Easy application, documentation, and biometric scheduling
– Personalized Travel Recommendations: Tailored suggestions based on individual preferences
– Secure Electronic Payments: Convenient fee payments
– Real-time Travel Updates: Flight statuses, weather conditions, and travel advisories
Gbenga Badmus, CEO of Flymate Travel Limited, speaking at the launch on wednesday, explained that Visadoc is designed to offer customized services to the end users.
According to him, “Visadoc is designed to offer customized services to the end users. With its help, applicants can apply with ease by doing it themselves end to end.
“By completing the documentation process and waiting for the biometric capturing invite. Without putting a physical face to the agent’s office”.
Visadoc is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. The app is designed to cater to a wide range of travelers, including families, individuals, and business professionals.
“Families, Individuals with their specific needs and preferences, are an essential target audience for travel brands. Family travelers look for visas to destinations and accommodations that cater to the interests and safety of their children. They prioritize family-friendly activities, spacious accommodations, and convenient amenities,” said Abdullahi Yusuf, Project Manager at Flymate Travel Limited.
The target markets for a public travel tracking app can include frequent travelers, commuters, tourists, and individuals who must obtain their visa.
Flymate Travel Limited is committed to leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience and provide exceptional customer service. By utilizing data and user feedback, the company will continue to refine and improve the app to meet the evolving needs of travelers.
For more information about Flymate Travel Limited Contact:
Gbenga Badmus (CEO/MD) – [email protected], 07044132787
Abdullahi Yusuf (Project Manager) – [email protected], 08160253848
Eseigbe Godwin (Software Engineer) – [email protected], 09057379300
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