The vocation of arts and culture journalist is the most insecure in the newsroom, says Anikulapo * …as NCC revives Annual Copyright Dialogue, honours Evelyn Osagie with posthumous award By Godwin Okondo THE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) last Wednesday, December 10, 2025 revived one of its oldest institutional traditions with the return of its Annual Copyright Forum, reintroduced in 2025 as the Annual Copyright Dialogue. This was during a national webinar themed ‘Beyond Reporting: The Media, Copyright and the Nigerian Creative Economy.’ The event was a gathering of journalists, editors, culture writers, media executives, copyright experts and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative and intellectual property landscape in a discussion that explored the role of the press in shaping copyright consciousness, safeguarding creators’ rights and supporting the growth of the creative economy in the digital age. The NCC’s Annual Copyright Dialigue was held in conjunction with Arts Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN). While delivering his welcome remarks, the Director-General of the commission, Dr. John Asein, said the dialogue marked an important moment in the commission’s history, describing it as both a revival of a legacy platform and a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media. “This dialogue is more than an event,” he declared, “it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to protect and promote creativity in Nigeria,” saying that the ommission recognises the press as indispensable partners whose reporting influences public understanding of copyright, impacts creators’ livelihoods and contributes to national policy formation. “Journalists are not mere observers,” he added. “They are interpreters of complex copyright issues, and the quality of their reportage has direct implications for the creative economy.” Asein noted that Nigeria’s copyright landscape is evolving rapidly, with digital technologies creating new opportunities and new challenges for regulators. He said the commission now regularly deals with violations that occur on cloud servers, algorithm-driven content aggregators and anonymous online platforms where pirated materials circulate at unprecedented speed. “The digital space has changed the way infringement happens,” he said. “Pirated works can be reproduced, distributed and monetised globally within seconds, making enforcement more complex and requiring strategic collaboration with media practitioners who help shape public awareness.” Providing historical context, Asein recalled that the first Annual Copyright Forum was held in December 1990 as a platform for exchanges between national and international experts on the development of Nigeria’s copyright system. “The forum was an avenue to re-evaluate strategies for cultivating copyright culture in Nigeria,” he said, noting that the forum continued until 2000, followed by the Copyright Summit in 2001, before falling dormant for more than two decades. “Reviving this platform is essential for rebuilding a sustained culture of dialogue, reflection and action in our copyright sector,” he added, adding that the new dialogue is intended to function as a “beacon” for policy discussion, institutional reflection and partnership building, highlighting the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the creative economy. DG, NCC, Dr. John Asein (left); Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Collins Nweke and Interim Chairman, Arts Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), Mr. Tony Okuyeme… in Abuja A major highlight of the webinar was the inauguration of a new national honour: Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting, named after the commission’s pioneer director-general, who was widely respected for his contributions to media practice and copyright advocacy. “This award is meant to recognise journalists whose work demonstrates integrity, creativity and commitment to copyright education,” Asein said, explaining that the prize would be awarded annually to journalists and media organisations whose coverage enhances public understanding of copyright, encourages compliance, and strengthens the culture of intellectual property in Nigeria. The 2025 edition of the prize was awarded posthumously to Evelyn Osagie of The Nation, who passed away on August 17. “Evelyn Osagie was a distinguished journalist whose reporting consistently uplifted young and emerging creators, highlighted major copyright concerns, and supported the commission’s work with professionalism and empathy,” Asein said. “Her contributions were deeply valued, and this posthumous award honours her legacy while reinforcing the importance of accurate, thoughtful copyright reporting. She amplified the voices of artists who might otherwise have remained unheard and served as a bridge between the creative community and the public.” Veteran journalist and culture communicator and advocate Mr. Jahman Anikulapo was the first speaker at the dialogue. He urged journalists to deepen their engagement with copyright and intellectual property issues. “We cannot educate or inform the public if we ourselves are not fully empowered,” the former Arts Editor and Editor of The Guardian on Sunday said. “Journalists have a responsibility to enlighten audiences, but that responsibility must be supported by knowledge, resources, and protection within the profession.” Drawing from more than three decades of experience in the newsroom, he described arts and culture journalism as one of the least secure beats, noting that culture reporters often lack institutional recognition or safeguards. He cited the examples of Nse-Obong Okon-Ekong of ThisDay and Anote Ajeluorou of The Guardian who were moved from tourism and arts to politics in their respective newspapers. Mr. Anikulapo condemned needless this newsroom swap, saying it disrupts journalism workflow and the important institutional memory these seasoned journalists have in strengthening their respective sectors. “The vocation of the arts and culture journalist is the most insecure in the newsroom,” he said. “Yet, their work is central to documenting and promoting the creative economy. Protecting this beat should be a priority for the media and regulators alike.” Anikulapo referenced the Federal Government’s upcoming launch of the National Intellectual Property Policy on December 17, describing it as a landmark initiative that signals growing recognition of the creative sector’s importance. “This policy is not just another government document,” he said. “It represents the acknowledgment that the creative industry is central to Nigeria’s economic and cultural future.” He encouraged journalists to register for and attend the launch to fully understand the framework that will govern intellectual property and creative rights. “Many journalists are creators themselves—writers, actors, filmmakers, festival organisers—and engaging with copyright policy is essential to protect their own work and the wider creative community,” he said. He also commended the commission for its longstanding support of cultural institutions and practitioners, recalling interventions during major national events, including celebrations for Professor Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday. “The commission has consistently demonstrated that it values our creative heritage,” he said. “Their interventions help preserve cultural memory and promote the work of both established and emerging artists.” Throughout the webinar, the commission reiterated its commitment to improving copyright literacy among journalists. Asein announced that the commission has completed work on a comprehensive copyright handbook for journalists, which is now in press and will soon be released. “The handbook is intended to be a practical guide for media practitioners,” he said. “It will cover copyright ownership, fair use, enforcement, reporting standards, and the responsibilities of journalists as creators and users of content.” Asein also outlined the roles the commission expects journalists to play going forward: “Journalists are partners in policy development, monitors of enforcement actions, evaluators of public perception, and champions against piracy,” he said. “Their voices can influence behaviour, shift attitudes, and strengthen compliance,” adding that the revival of the Annual Copyright Dialogue forms part of a broader effort to engage stakeholders across the creative sector, improve public education, and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. “Our hope is that regular dialogue and informed reporting will foster a stronger culture of copyright, encourage ethical creativity, and reinforce respect for creators’ rights,” he said. Other resource persons during the webinar included two copyright experts – Mike Akpan and Vincent Oyefeso while Mr. Jacob Atang represented the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezugha with the Arts Writers Association of Nigeria, being represented by the body’s Interim Chairman, Mr. Tony Okuyeme. • https://thearthubng.com/the-vocation-of-arts-and-culture-journalist-is-the-most-insecure-in-the-newsroom-says-anikulapo/
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