STAKEHOLDERS in the Creative Industries have been advised to take advantage of Section 54 of the revised Copyright Act 2022 to combat the menace of online piracy.
State Coordinator, NCC Kaduna Office, Mrs. Rukkayat Yeldu gave this advice during the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival 2024 (KABAFEST) held on 2nd May 2024. She informed that in line with global best practices, the new Copyright Act 2022 expressly provides procedures for takedown of infringing uploads which also align with YouTube’s proposal of bringing down infringing contents.
Speaking at the event, veteran Nollywood actor, producer, singer, and former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Arinze appealed to the Commission to intensify its anti-piracy and public enlightenment campaigns for the protection of creative works and eradication of piracy. He also emphasised the need for creators to benefit from their works through efficient distribution of royalties.
A Kannywood actor, Uzee Usman, who spoke in Hausa language expressed concerns about online piracy, particularly the downloading of films on platforms like Telegram and called on the NCC to redouble efforts in tackling piracy.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, inaugurated the festival and also facilitated 100 students to receive book grant of N20,000 each from the State Government.
The four-day event brought together, Authors, Actors, Publishers, Book Sellers, Stakeholders and Literary enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond.
In a similar development, the NCC Kaduna Office on 27th May 2024 participated in a Talent Hunt and Children’s Day Art Exhibition/Competition themed “Visual Art as a solution for Economic Growth”. The event was organised by the National Gallery of Arts Kaduna Office to celebrate Children’s Day 2024.
Representative of the Commission at the event, Chief Copyright Officer, Alfa Mohammed, educated participants on their Intellectual Property Rights. He urged them to consistently demonstrate their talents at every given opportunity, highlighting how creativity empowers.
The event was well attended by various schools in Kaduna, including the demonstration school for the Deaf and Dumb. Artworks were exhibited, and prizes were awarded to deserving students.
Omoyemi Esan
