COSON warns against tribalism in ‘no music day’ address

As part of his ‘No Music Day’ live broadcast on September 1, Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), urged Nigerian creatives to denounce promoters of tribal and ethnic intolerance.

Okoroji warned that such divisive rhetoric had once pushed Nigeria into a civil war that claimed millions of lives.

In the globally streamed broadcast, the former PMAN president and veteran activist said many of the country’s problems stem from entrenched corruption and disregard for the rule of law by those in authority.

“I recognize the deep despair in the land, the hunger threatening millions, the insecurity that has claimed lives, and the anguish Nigerians endure daily,” he said. “Nigerian creatives cannot afford to give up on Nigeria. We must work together for unity and progress.”

He cautioned against the “dangerous reintroduction” of tribal and ethnic hate, describing it as one of the triggers of the civil war. He called on artists and content creators to use music, films, literature, and digital content to foster trust and national cohesion rather than division.

On ‘No Music Day 2025,’ Okoroji prayed for Nigerians facing hardship and urged the creative industry to continue championing peace and unity.