The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has distributed some N465.5 million as 2024 royalties to its members and affiliates.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the royalties were disbursed during the society’s 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held yesterday (Tuesday, December 10) in Lagos.
This caused jubilation, singing and merriment among COSON members that were in attendance, as they took turns to perform their favourite music.
Mr Tony Okoroji, Chairman of COSON, said the 2024 royalties were the highest ever distributed in the history of the organisation, disclosing that the organisation recorded about a 123 per cent increase in the 2024 royalties when compared with the amount distributed in 2023.
“We are distributing N465.5 million to all members of COSON today and every member is expected to get their royalties immediately.
“We have recorded beautiful milestone achievements in the course of the year and I must appreciate everyone for standing tall in our moments of trials.
“Membership to COSON has increased, we have about 5, 406 members now, this is across the federation.
“Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria.
“It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success, but we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON spirit,” he said.
Okoroji, who addressed the members in his speech titled “The COSON Spirit”, urged them to always uphold the spirit of love and brotherhood which the society represents.
Speaking on how COSON had been able to overcome some challenges in the course of the year, Okoroji said: “I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land.
“I have mounted the witness box and testified, and I have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible.
“We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.
“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organisation that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.”
The COSON chairman appreciated the management led by the General Manager, Mrs Bernice Ashibuogwu, for its contributions to the success of the society.
NAN reports that the AGM was attended by Afro Juju music star, Sir Shina Peters; President of the Creative Industry Group, Felix Duke, and President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Sharon Wilson.
Others are: Reggae music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; legendary female singer, Stella Monye; pop music sensation, Alex O; gospel music minister, Kenny Saint Brown as well as Nigerian comedian and musician, Koffi Tha Guru.
