The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has called on Nigerian creatives, musicians and artistes to intensify efforts in promoting national peace and unity through their works.
Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of COSON, made the call during a live broadcast to celebrate “No Music Day”, on Thursday in Lagos.
“No Music Day” is a day the music industry in Nigeria dedicates annually to bring the attention of the nation to the widespread infringement of the rights of song writers, composers, performers, music publishers, record labels and other stakeholders in the music industry.
Okoroji urged all Nigerian creatives to “take a strong stand to stop the nation from sliding into the state of hopelessness.
“We are saddened by the dangerous direction that our nation has been headed in recent times and the hopelessness that seems to engulf the citizens.
“We are saddened by the tribal and religious divisions, kidnappings, senseless killings, abductions, joblessness and the political and judicial rascality that sap the hope of our young people.
“On this “No Music Day”, we call on Nigerian musicians, actors, movie makers, writers, journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, intellectuals and all who operate in the creative space to deploy their talents and consciously work towards effecting peace and unity.
“In building a new and better nation, creative people must play a central role, stand up, take responsibility, work together, establish the strong advocacy necessary in every democracy to create positive change.”
Okoroji noted that the ingenuity of Nigerians had continue to be displayed in music, movies, literature, fashion, programming and similar products of the creative endeavour.
He said all these were in substantial demand across the world.
He said to effect change in the nation, government must involve individuals with the right vision, passion and understanding.
“In marking “No Music Day” 2022, we once again ask for a new Nigeria, we ask for a Nigeria driven by knowledge and creativity.
“We want a nation where a creative songwriter can depend on his creativity and live well; a good performer does not have to worry about how to feed his family; a talented filmmaker or actor will not be burdened by where his next rent will come from.
“A gifted author can become a millionaire and does not have to sweat at the thought of his children’s school fees and a fashion designer with unique talent can be celebrated for his or her creativity.
“We ask for a Nigeria in which a great photographer can be a man of means; an architect does not also have to be a builder to earn commensurate income from his talent; an inventor can live off his invention and a creator of content can thrive from the deployment of his content.
“We earnestly ask for a Nigeria in which a lecturer is no longer ashamed to say that he teaches for a living. In other words, we demand a nation in which knowledge and creativity are celebrated,” he said.
Okoroji called on COSON members and all Nigerian creatives to make sure that during the forthcoming general elections, they deploy their Permanent Voter Cards to elect a government that respects the rights of creative people and the rule of law.
