On this auspicious occasion of World Intellectual Property Day 2024, the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, extends warm greetings to all stakeholders in the creative and innovative industries.
World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated annually on April 26th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in fostering innovation, creativity, and economic development. This year’s theme, “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity,” resonates deeply with AVRS’s mission and commitment to championing the rights of audiovisual creators in Nigeria.
In his message marking this significant day, Mr. Ali-Balogun underscores the crucial role that intellectual property plays in driving sustainable development and achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He echoes the sentiments expressed by the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Daren Tang, emphasizing the need for innovative and creative solutions to address our world’s complex challenges.
Mr. Ali-Balogun reaffirms AVRS’s unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of audiovisual creators and authors, ensuring that their talents and creativity are recognized, respected, and fairly rewarded. He highlights the transformative power of intellectual property in empowering creators to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape while advancing progress towards the SDGs.
As Nigeria’s sole collective management organization for audiovisual works, AVRS remains committed to promoting an environment conducive to creativity, innovation, and sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy efforts, and capacity-building initiatives, AVRS continues to promote the value of intellectual property rights and drive positive change within the Nigerian creative industry.
On World Intellectual Property Day 2024, Mr. Ali-Balogun calls upon all stakeholders, including governments, policymakers, industry players, and the public, to recognise intellectual property’s importance in shaping our common future. Together, let us harness the power of innovation and creativity to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable world for generations to come.
For and On Behalf of the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria
Olubukola Adeyemi General Manager