COSON honours Abiola, as Momodu speaks on June 12

The newly commissioned COSON House in Ikeja, Lagos, was the place to be on Monday, as the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) organised a special event to mark this year’s June 12 remembrance.

The session, which attracted key players in the media and showbiz industry, encompassed a lecture themed June 12 and the Lessons of History, which was delivered by veteran journalist and Publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu. The evening also provided a platform for TOPS Music first lady KASI, the June 12 Girl, to mark his birthday.

Activities for the evening commenced with a special red carpet reception and cocktail for guests in front of COSON House. Notable among guests that graced the event are former chairman of NCC, Professor Egerton Uvieghara; the Guv’nor of Niteshift Coliseum, Mr. Ken Calebs Olumese; Vice President Airtel Nigeria, Mr Emeka Oparah; BISCON C.E.O, Prince Bisi Olatilo; Hip TV Boss, Mr. Ayo Animashaun; Global Excellence Publisher, Mr. Mayor Akinpelu; Ovation International Magazine Editor, Mr. Mike Effiong. Others are Yes International magazine Publisher, Sir Azuh Arinze; former MD of the Sun Newspapers Mr Tony Onyima; former Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Dr Austin Izagbo and show promoter Cally Ikpe. Also present were top journalist and presenter of the TV programme, ‘FAJ Alive’, Mr. Femi Akintunde Johnson; Agilent Wireless MD, Mr Lawrence Wilbert; Ace Nollywood actor and producer, Mr. Patrick Doyle; Intellectual property guru, Professor Bankole Sodipo; Activist Lawyer, Mr. Rockson Igelige; Celebrated international digital radio host, Alex Okoroji; Music stars, 2 Baba Idibia; Princess Annie Inyang, Kenny Saint Best, King Wadada, Chris Mba, D’lyte, G-Wilz, Kul-GP and Chief MKO Abiola’s son, Ola Abiola and others.

Speaking on the theme June 12 and the Lessons of History’ Momodu observed that Nigeria is run by a mafia comprising of a few men, who were not happy that Chief Abiola had won the elections without their support.“That was the genesis of the June 12 problem,” he said.

The publisher described the late politician as a philanthropist to the core, noting that it was his dream to use Nigeria’s wealth to eliminate suffering in the country. He further recalled that how Chief MKO Abiola, who was extremely passionate about the country, donated N30 million to 30 Federal Universities in a day.

While recounting his last discussion on phone with Chief MKO Abiola, and how he and the Chief’s daughter had planned to issue a statement on July 7, 1998, the same day Chief Abiola passed on, Momodu, who spoke off heart, declared that he believes the time is right to document his June 12 story in a book. He appealed to all, who had contact with Chief Abiola during his incarceration to please come out and air their version, as the June 12 story will not be complete without detailing the events that happened to late Abiola during his imprisonment.

COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji later called on the Ovation Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, alongside Mr. Ken Caleb Olumese, Prince Bisi Olatilo, and Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia to the stage for the presentation of a posthumous award to late MKO Abiola, which was received by his son, Mr. Ola Abiola.

To bring a thrilling night to a crescendo, KASI, the enchanting TOPS music star, who was born on June 12, 1993, the same day Nigerians lined up to vote in arguably the nation’s freest and fairest election ever, was called up to perform. KASI, who arrived COSON House on her fire red branded power bike, mounted the stage and held the packed audience spellbound.

Prince Bisi Olatilo co-ordinated the cutting of KASI’s birthday cake before she was joined on stage by other power dancers and artistes from TOPS label such as DOLZI, the king of melody; rapper G-WILZ, who is lyrically licensed to kill and KUL-GP.