AS part of activities to commemorate 35 years of promoting and protecting creativity, the Nigerian Copyright Commission on 19th August, 2024 unveiled its Copyright Wall of Fame at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John O. Asein stated that the initiative is aimed at identifying and celebrating copyright icons who have made outstanding contributions in different sectors of the copyright industry.

He applauded the contributions of copyright owners to building the country’s vibrant creative economy while reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing enabling environment and appropriate legal framework for the sector to thrive.

The DG commended past Directors-General of the Commission: Mr. Moses F. Ekpo, MFR; Late Dr. Sola Agbaje Williams; Prof. Enyinna Nwauche; Prof. Adebambo Adewopo, SAN; and Mr. Afam Ezekude for the achievements recorded by the Commission over the past 35 years.

He also thanked the staff of the agency, past and present, for their unrelenting commitment to a better copyright system. He urged the staff to always be innovative and proactive in the discharge of their duties. “We are a team, and I implore you to always go the extra mile for the good of the creative industry, the prosperity of Nigeria and the upliftment of its people”, he admonished.

Thirteen (13) copyright icons were inducted in the first phase of the Copyright Wall of Fame. The inductees include Nigeria’s renowned novelist, poet and social critic, Prof. Chinua Achebe; music icon and Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti; renowned painter, sculptor and printmaker, Bruce Onobrakpeya; playwright, novelist, poet, essayist and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and singer, writer, actress and social activist, Onyeka Onwenu.

The anniversary was also commemorated with various activities in all the fourteen (14) State Offices of the Commission.

Mary Avoswahi Adegbile
For: Director-General