The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, honoured Chief Tony Okoroji, chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), for his relentless efforts in promoting intellectual property rights in Nigeria.
On Monday, Okoroji, who was the guest speaker at the Knowledge Sharing Session during the NBA Ikeja Branch’s February 2025 meeting, delivered a lecture titled “Intellectual Property Issues in the Rapidly Changing Knowledge Economy.”
The event, held at the Bar Centre within the Ikeja High Court premises, was attended by senior lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and a large audience of legal professionals.
Reflecting on his decades-long advocacy for intellectual property rights, the former Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) president recounted the struggles he faced.
“I have carried placards and led risky demonstrations countless times. On several occasions, I could easily have been shot by an ‘unknown soldier,’” he said.
He also highlighted his extensive legal battles, stating, “I have been to court more times than many active litigation lawyers, not for personal disputes but to establish legal precedents in copyright cases.”
Okoroji, who played a key role in drafting Nigeria’s now-repealed Copyright Act and its first amendment, emphasised that intellectual property will be the nation’s greatest asset in the future.
“Our most valuable resources will not be oil or minerals but the creativity of young Nigerians,” he asserted.
While underscoring the importance of intellectual property protection, Okoroji criticised what he termed “copy-and-paste” lawyers.
“Some lawyers no longer put in the hard work but simply copy and reproduce the brilliant processes of others without authorisation,” he lamented. He urged legal professionals to take action against intellectual property infringements in the legal sector.
The COSON chairman also noted the contrast between Nigeria and developed nations in recognising intellectual property contributions.
“Elsewhere, people are well-compensated for their expertise and lectures, but here, I have not been promised ‘shi-shi’ for sharing my knowledge,” he said, referencing a popular phrase by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In conclusion, Okoroji called on Nigerian lawyers to uphold the NBA’s commitment to promoting the rule of law. “It is either the courts or the cutlass,” he warned, urging them to play a crucial role in protecting intellectual property rights.
The NBA Ikeja Branch Chairman, Adeniyi Quadri, alongside Treasurer Ganiyat Adisa and PDC Chairman Kola Dopamu, jointly presented the award to Okoroji in recognition of his contributions to the legal and creative industries.
