The Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) has conducted a training workshop for its Board and management staff in Lagos. This is to strengthen their knowledge of copyright and collective management, and enhance the execution of its oversight functions.
Those who attended the workshop included the Lagos Head, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mrs. Lynda Alpheaus. However, members who were unable to participate physically joined virtually from various locations across the country.
Two professionals in the copyright ecosystem facilitated the training. They were Barrister Michael Akpan, Principal Partner at Alpha Edge Legal and former NCC Regulatory Head, and Dr Chinedu Chukwuji, copyright administrator and AVRS consultant.
Akpan led the sessions on ‘Basics of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights’ and ‘Legal & Regulatory Framework of Copyright in the Film Industry in Nigeria’. His extensive knowledge and experience provided invaluable insights into the legal foundations and current regulatory landscape of copyright and neighbouring rights in the film industry.
Chukwuji facilitated the sessions on ‘Collective Management Organisation and Audiovisual Copyright Licensing’ and ‘Effective Governance in CMOs’. He covered the purposes and benefits of a CMO, challenges and opportunities, key considerations in copyright licensing, and factors that help determine tariffs.
Chukwuji equally emphasised essential aspects of good governance, the role of the Board, and best practices in CMO governance. His lecture aimed to enhance the Board’s capacity to develop strategic policies that would enable AVRS to fulfill its mandate and remain relevant.
The AVRS’ chairman, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, who opened the workshop, commended the Board members for finding time to attend the workshop despite their busy schedules. He highlighted the importance of the training in updating the directors on new developments in the copyright and collective management space, and their knowledge in carrying out their oversight functions. Ali-Balogun, however, expressed his belief that such training sessions are crucial for maintaining the organisation’s growth and effectiveness.
The participation of AVRS’ General Manager, Mrs. Olubukola Adeyemi and her management team underscores the importance the organization placed on comprehensive understanding and effective implementation of copyright management and governance practices.
AVRS was recently admitted as a provisional member of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and Global Audiovisual Alliance (GAVA). The feat underscores AVRS’ dedication to aligning with global standards in copyright management, solidifying its role as a key player in the international creative community.