The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has honoured former Directors-General and retired Directors for their outstanding contributions to the growth of the Commission and the development of Nigeria’s copyright system.
The event, held under the theme, "Celebrating Our Legends,"also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to preserving its institutional heritage while strengthening the country’s creative and knowledge-based economy.
The ceremony formed part of efforts by the NCC to recognise individuals whose leadership, dedication and years of service helped shape the institution.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, five former Directors-General and several retired Directors were honoured during the ceremony.
Those recognised among the former Directors-General were His Excellency Moses F. Ekpo, who served between 1989 and 2000; the late Dr. Sylvester O. Williams, who served from 2000 to 2002; Professor Eyinna Nwauche, who served between 2002 and 2004; Professor Adebambo Adewopo, SAN, who served from 2004 to 2010; and Mr. Afam Ezekude, who served from 2010 to 2018.
Retired Directors honoured at the occasion included the late Mr. Williams Aniche, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Bashir, Mrs. Loretta Chinwe Alero Ezichi, Elder Moses Udowo, Mr. Stephen Bayode Aiyegbusi, Sir Charles Obi, Mrs. Doris Awele Osahon, the late Mr. Christopher Onyewuchi Nkwocha, Mr. Jacob Sunday Fagbemi, Mr. Okon Odokwo, Mr. Olatunji Babatunde Adetula, and Mrs. Susan Uyo Bashorun.
The current Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John Asein, was also recognised for his earlier service to the Commission as a Director before his appointment as Director-General.
Speaking at the event, Asein described the ceremony as a tribute to the men and women whose commitment, sacrifices and leadership laid the foundation for the NCC's present achievements.
He said the Commission owed a debt of gratitude to its former leaders and retired Directors, noting that their efforts had contributed significantly to the growth and stability of the institution.
According to him, the achievements of the present generation were built on the sacrifices of those who served before them.
“They broke the ground, planted the seed and nurtured it. And today, we stand in the shade of the tree that grew from their labour,” Asein said.
The Director-General said the NCC was committed to ensuring that the history and contributions of its past leaders were preserved for future generations.
He disclosed that the Commission had introduced several legacy initiatives, including the Moses Ekpo Prize, established in honour of the pioneer Director-General for the best graduating student in the Department of Performing Arts at Akwa Ibom State University.
Asein also announced that the process of establishing the Dr. Sylvester O. Williams Prize had commenced, with additional initiatives planned to immortalise other distinguished leaders of the Commission.
He stressed that institutions must not pursue future aspirations at the expense of their history, noting that preserving institutional memory remained essential to sustainable growth.
Beyond celebrating its past leaders, Asein said the NCC was intensifying efforts to protect Nigeria’s creative sector, especially in the face of increasing digital piracy and rapid technological changes.
He said the Commission was strengthening its digital copyright enforcement mechanisms through online monitoring, investigations and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The Director-General cited interventions against illegal online platforms such as NetNaija and Moviebox as examples of efforts aimed at disrupting digital piracy and protecting the rights and earnings of creators.
According to him, the Commission is working with rights holders and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association to address online copyright infringements and ensure that creators derive greater economic value from their intellectual property.
Asein added that copyright was becoming increasingly important to Nigeria’s growing creative and knowledge economy, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, streaming services and the global expansion of Afrobeats.
Declaring the event open, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, described the occasion as a celebration of leadership, service, continuity and institutional memory.
Fagbemi, who was represented by the Director of Legal Drafting at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dr. Patrick Etta Oyong, commended the former Directors-General and retired Directors for their contributions to copyright administration and enforcement in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged their roles in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Commission and advancing Nigeria’s participation in the international copyright system.
The Attorney-General urged the NCC to continue preserving its institutional heritage while responding effectively to emerging developments in the creative and copyright environment.
He identified digital technology, streaming platforms, artificial intelligence and new models of creative exploitation as developments requiring continuous adaptation by copyright institutions.
In his goodwill message, the pioneer Director-General of the Commission, Moses F. Ekpo, recalled the early years of the NCC and reflected on the institution’s journey over the decades.
Ekpo expressed appreciation for the recognition and the opportunity to reconnect with former and serving officials of the Commission.
He expressed confidence that the NCC would continue to grow and sustain its position as a key institution supporting Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industries.
Highlights of the event included the reading of citations and the presentation of plaques and gifts to the honourees in recognition of their years of distinguished service.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages, a meet-and-greet session, red-carpet activities, group photographs and other moments that enabled former and serving officials to reconnect and share memories.
The celebration coincided with the NCC’s 37th anniversary, marked with the cutting of an anniversary cake, celebratory toasts, refreshments and dancing.
The event provided an opportunity for the Commission to reflect on its journey, celebrate its achievements and honour the individuals whose leadership and service helped shape Nigeria’s copyright administration and creative ecosystem.