*CEO of MCSN,Mayo Ayilaran being received by First DG of NCC and the immediate past Deputy Governor, Dr. Moses Ekpo at his residence in Abak, Akwa Ibom during the visit.
In continuation of its expansion programme, the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) is set to commence operations in Uyo, the state capital of Akwa Ibom, to serve the needs of music consumers and creators in that part of South-South zone.
The Uyo branch was contemplated with the active participation of stakeholders in the zone particularly the Akwa Ibom state chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the state Government that had offered the office accommodation for the take off of the branch office.
A high powered delegation of MCSN led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mayo Ayilaran was recently in the state to inspect the facility. In the entourage of the Chief Executive officer on the visit were the General Manager (Licensing Operations), Mr. Louis Udoh, National Enforcement and Compliance Consultant, Mr. Obi Ezeilo and MCSN’s state Consultant, Dr. Unwana Ibanga.
The delegation was warmly received by Dr. Unwana Joshua Udo, Director of the Centre for Arts and Culture who commended the Society (MCSN) for its effort in enhancing copyright administration and pledged the state’s commitment to supporting the Society.
Dr. Udo in receiving the delegation said the Akwa Ibom State Government takes creativity very seriously and has been working with the state chapter of PMAN in ensuring that creator’s rights are respected. He reiterated the government’s commitment in collaborating with MCSN and PMAN in ensuring that musicians and creators in the state benefit from their intellectual property.
At the meeting were prominent leaders and members of the music industry in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, including PMAN Akwa Ibom Governor Comrade (Evang.) Joshua Okon Offiong, his Cross Rivers State counterpart Comrade Efiom Effiong (Rebreed), and PMAN executives and members..
In his remarks, Mr. Ayilaran commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its hospitality and the evident growth in the state’s creative industry, which he noted starts from the moment one enters the State’s airline, Ibom Air. He also appreciated the state’s support for and cooperation with PMAN, pointing out that the upcoming branch office will bring MCSN closer to creators and users of creative works in the region.
Mr. Ayilaran urged musicians in Akwa Ibom to register and notify the Society of their works and also provide their account details, which can now be done seamlessly online from anywhere in the world to enable them to receive royalties for their intellectual property as the world has gone digital. He assured that the Akwa Ibom office would be fully operational before the end of the last quarter of 2024 and that MCSN was committed MCSN was committed to establishing similar offices across the country.
The delegation later paid a courtesy visit to the immediate past Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Moses Ekpo who also served as the pioneer Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) at his home in Abak.
Dr. Ekpo was elated to receive the MCSN delegation and went on a memory lane to recall the events from the beginning of the Nigerian copyright system and its evolution. He commended MCSN for its commitment in ensuring that creators benefit from their intellectual property, urging the organization to continue operating with transparency and accountability. Dr. Ekpo also expressed joy at the news that MCSN would be opening an office in Uyo, stating, “MCSN is getting closer to those who matter — the creators and consumers of music.” He further encouraged MCSN to continue expanding its presence across Nigeria to enhance effective copyright administration nationwide.Dr. Ekpo, who remains a respected figure in the creative industry, assured MCSN of his full and continued support, expressing his confidence that the Akwa Ibom State Government will fully back MCSN operations in the state.
Mr. Ayilaran, in response, thanked Dr. Ekpo for his fatherly role in the development of copyright in Nigeria and his ongoing support of the creative industry. He tagged Dr. Ekpo as the “Father of Copyright in Nigeria” and reiterated MCSN’s commitment in ensuring that the vision of having a virile and beneficial copyright system is realised for Nigerian creators.
