Feature/OPED
2023: North Central, PDP and the Coming Victory

By Jerome-Mario Chijioke Utomi
History does matter and has shown clearly that ordinary calculation can be upturned by extraordinary personalities. Working under this assumption, it will not be considered an overstatement to conclude that the People Democratic Party (PDP) is set to upturn the present political calculation in Nigeria.
For the sake of clarity, it is important to underline that the above assertion is not anchored on, or a function of the below-average performance of the current federal government which daily manifests in areas such as; ‘continued state of insecurity in the country, the persistent and ceaseless flow of Nigerians blood on a daily basis in many parts of Nigeria, the near-collapse of the security situation in Nigeria, their inability to manage the nation’s economy and develop the oil-rich but socioeconomically backwards Niger Delta’.
Rather, the present intervention is predicated on far-reaching decisions, people–purposed steps and result-oriented actions and inactions recently taken by the party, the PDP.
Essentially, the party aside from demonstrating that it owes its growth and success in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to certain causative factors, Nigerians with discerning minds and development professionals now believe that PDP has finally become reputed for being development-focused and ready to provide good governance.
If it continues on this pedestal, it will definitely lead to victory in the forthcoming 2023 general election and see the Party form government at the centre, they concluded.
To validate that this claim is not misleading, this piece will not only add context to the discourse but spread out with examples of developments.
First and very fundamental is the recently held seamless, rancour-free and credible convention by the party, an exercise that led to the emergence of a former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu, from Benue State, North Central zone as the party’s National Chairman.
Worthy of commendation is that this success was achieved at a time when other parties in the country, including the ruling party, are still experiencing challenges organizing their convention, Mr Iyorchia Ayu-led National Executive Committee is already hitting the ground running with respect to repositioning the PDP into a credible vehicle for RESCUING and REBUILDING Nigeria which, according to the PDP, has been battered by a bad economy, insecurity, unemployment and other social ills by the incompetent and inept APC administration.
From the above flows the second factor and actor propelling the belief of a PDP likely victory in the forthcoming general election in the country. This particular ‘concern’ has to do with the fresh in-road made by the party in the North Central part of the country. This current ‘onslaught’ is spearheaded by Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue state.
Ortom, as we know, is the only PDP Governor in the whole North-Central political zone. That notwithstanding, he has achieved so many feats and firsts for himself, the state and the political zones. He has promoted tirelessly the party not just in his state but the political zone.
Today, through his ceaseless effort, meetings and consultation with PDP stakeholders from the zone with support coming from the new National Chairman, political alignments and realignments across all the states of the zone is now the order of the day.
The North Central has more or less become a PDP zone as those who were initially deceived in 2015 and have remained in darkness appear to have finally seen the light and known the truth. They are now willing to switch to the PDP in readiness for the 2023 general election.
The people of the zone seems to have come to terms that behind every major socioeconomic and security failure in the last seven years in the country, lies a failed decision by the government at the centre, and behind every failed decision lies a government that failed its people- a government that did not carry out its duty properly, and having made the wrong decision or delaying the process.
Beyond the party’s achievement in the North Central, there are in fact other glaring reasons that will work in PDP’s favour.
This piece/intervention may not be alone with the above position. The communiqué issued by the PDP Governors Forum after their recently-held crucial meeting on Monday, January 17, 2022, at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, not only speaks volumes but supports this position.
The party spoke the mind of Nigerians.
Fundamentally, let us begin to address the content of the PDP Governors’ communiqué by repeating some points already made in the areas of insecurity, economy among others, as it says something new and different.
Beginning with the economy, the party said in part; The Nigerian economy has continued to deteriorate and Nigerians have become numb and accustomed to bad economic news as exemplified by the inconsistent and differential exchange rate regime, high-interest rates, unsustainable unemployment figures and borrowing spree some of which have not been applied to important projects, and other bad economic indicators.
In particular, it is clear that the APC Government is a massive failure when compared with the records of PDP in government. The PDP handed over a $550 billion economy (the largest in Africa), but under APC, Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world.
In 2015, under PDP, the exchange rate was N198 per Dollar, it is now under APC almost N500 to a Dollar; In 2015, the unemployment rate was 7.3% under PDP, it is now 33%, one of the highest in the world under APC; In 2015, the Pump price of Petroleum was N87 per litre, it is now N165 per litre and climbing under APC. Debt servicing now under APC takes over 98% of the Federal budget. The tales of woe are endless.
Undoubtedly, this piece and of course the world is in agreement with the above analysis by the party.
And among all the reasons, deep-seated is the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country, a state of depression, and proliferation of insecurity in the country which today typifies Nigeria as a country in dire need of peace and social cohesion among her various socio-political groups. Over the years, myriads of socio-political contradictions have conspired directly and indirectly to give the unenviable tag of a country in constant search of social harmony, justice, equity, equality, and peace.
On insecurity in the country, the PDP spoke what has been on the minds of Nigerians as they (PDP EXCO) lamented the continued state of insecurity in the country, the persistent and ceaseless flow of Nigerians blood on a daily basis in many parts of Nigeria, the near-collapse of the security situation in Nigeria. The strategies to confront terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals are still a major problem of the APC administration.
The situation says something more.
To be continued.
Utomi Jerome-Mario is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). He could be reached via [email protected]/08032725374.
Feature/OPED
Leading on the Road and Across Cultural Lines: Tips for Success

By Isoken Aigbomian
I’ve been asked in the past about the most demanding challenges I’ve faced in my career, and I say one of them is transitioning from implementation leadership to strategy leadership. As a fantastic salesperson, there is a good chance you will never leave ‘sales mode’. You will always find yourself trying to create connections you can leverage later at every event or process. When you take up a more strategic role, you are less on the field and more in the drawing room, building frameworks that will be communicated to your team for implementation.
In Nigeria’s fast-evolving sales landscape, managing teams across multiple states and regions gives me a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself and grow. As the Regional Manager overseeing sales teams in the various areas, I have had to develop strategies that ensure seamless operations, meet sales targets, and drive consistent performance. In this article, I’ll share the key strategies that have helped me excel in managing sales teams across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
1. Build Trust Through Transparent Communication
Effective communication is at the heart of any successful sales team. Given the geographical spread of my team, it was crucial to establish a culture of open and transparent communication. Regular virtual meetings, calls, and on-site visits allow me to ensure alignment across all teams, discuss ongoing sales opportunities, share best practices, and address any concerns promptly. Clear communication has helped me maintain a unified approach towards achieving regional and organisational sales goals. My go-to communication style is the ‘feedback communication’ style: this way, I am assured that my audience understands the information I have passed and can communicate it to their direct reports without losing anything.
2. Understand Regional Diversity and Build Strategies That Fit into the Market Nuances
The level of diversity in a country like Nigeria is incredible. Each region in Nigeria has distinct market conditions, customer preferences, and even business practices (formal and informal). Understanding these nuances has been key to tailoring my sales strategies. For example, consumer behavior in Lagos may differ significantly from Kano or Port Harcourt, so being attuned to regional trends allows me to customize the sales approach and messaging for each area. By fostering a deep understanding of local markets, I can guide my team to more effective sales tactics that resonate with our target customers. I know that in the East, on Mondays, economic activities are slower than in other regions, while in Kano, on Fridays, economic activities are slower. This knowledge helps me create better strategies that will yield the best results.
3. Build a Cohesive Team and Empower Local Sales Leaders
Effective delegation and empowerment are essential in managing a large sales team across multiple regions. One thing I focus on is identifying strong local leaders within each region who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of their area. When hiring sales managers, this is an important skill and expectation for me because you will work closely with me to ensure the implementation of the processes. By empowering them to take ownership of their respective regions, I foster leadership skills and ensure that decisions are made with the regional context in mind. This boosts accountability and enhances sales outcomes.
4. Leverage Technology to Drive Sales and Collaboration
It’s 2025, and salespeople no longer use a Rolodex because the digital age has given us fantastic technology to create, build and manage relationships. I rely on CRM systems, project management tools, and sales dashboards to ensure that performance is consistently tracked, goals are monitored, and key data points are easily accessible. These tools enable seamless collaboration between regions and ensure that all sales teams have the resources and support they need to succeed. I also ensure that my team gets training at different levels to keep the team positively engaged and up-to-date with the latest product offerings and sales techniques.
5. Lead by Example and Drive Results
As a Sales Regional Manager, it’s important to me that I lead from the front. I prioritise actively participating in key sales meetings, setting high standards, and driving sales performance myself. By leading by example—meeting sales targets, demonstrating product knowledge, or resolving customer concerns—I inspire my team to perform at their best consistently. This has helped create a culture of accountability and high performance within the team. While setting budgets for my team, I also set budgets for myself and reinforce the culture of self-accountability, grit and technical depth.
Managing multiple teams across different regions comes with its own set of unique challenges, but by focusing on clear communication, understanding regional market dynamics, empowering local leadership, leveraging technology, and leading by example, I have been able to drive consistent success. Ultimately, sales leadership is about aligning regional efforts with broader organizational goals, and with the right strategies in place, any sales leader can excel in this dynamic role.
Isoken Aigbomian is a Regional Sales Manager, Enterprise Network Sales Division at Moniepoint Inc
Feature/OPED
The Legal Illusion of Ownership: Why AI-Generated Content Cannot Be Protected by Copyright Law

By Somadina Eugene-Okorie Esq
In the rapidly evolving intersection between technology and creativity, one fundamental misunderstanding is becoming dangerously widespread, and it is the belief that a person can claim legal copyright ownership over content, be it music, movies, articles, or any other expressive work generated through artificial intelligence.
This notion not only misrepresents the intent and scope of copyright law but also opens the floodgates to legal liability, particularly for copyright infringement and misappropriation.The question is deceptively simple: Can one claim copyright over a body of work generated using artificial intelligence?
Now, as a patent and copyright law expert, the unequivocal legal and philosophical answer is no.
This article therefore undertakes a detailed examination of above subject, and is grounded in statutory interpretation, international legal developments, and a proper understanding of how AI functions.
- Copyright: A Protection of Original Human Expression
At the heart of copyright law lies a central tenet which is originality. The legal doctrine is not concerned with mere novelty or surface-level uniqueness; rather, it seeks to protect expressions that are the product of human intellect and effort. It is this personal investment of creative labour that qualifies a work for copyright protection.
Under Section 2 of the Nigerian Copyright Act, 2022, only works that satisfy specific conditions are eligible for copyright. These include literary works, musical compositions, artistic works, audiovisual works, sound recordings, and broadcasts.
However, Section 2(2) makes it explicitly clear that two essential requirements must be fulfilled:
- Original character: In this context some effort must have been exerted in making the work to give it original quality;
- Fixation: The work must be reduced into a tangible or perceptible medium from which it can be reproduced or communicated.
In the absence of these twin criteria, a musical or artistic work, regardless of its aesthetic appeal, cannot be deemed copyrightable under Nigerian law.
- AI and the Illusion of Originality
Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, operates by ingesting vast amounts of existing data ranging from text, music, images, video, and code which are scraped from the internet and other digital repositories. It identifies linguistic, auditory, or visual patterns, then recombines them into content that appears novel. But appearance is not substance in law.
The machine does not create; rather it derives. It does not originate; it rather synthesizes.
And those notes, the implications are significant. Because the output of AI models is fundamentally non-original, being algorithmically assembled from pre-existing human work.Hence, such content fails to meet the originality standard of copyright law. Moreover, because these models depend on training data that often includes copyrighted materials, without obtaining licenses or permissions, AI-generated content are therefore not just unoriginal, but potentially infringing.
Thus, any person claiming authorship over such works is not just misunderstanding the law; they are possibly implicating themselves in intellectual property theft an act that is punishable before the law.
III. Artificial Works vs Copyrighted Works: A Fundamental Legal Divide
There is a legal wall of separation between copyrighted works and what we now call “artificial works.”
Copyrighted works:
- Are authored by humans.
- Bear the imprint of original thought.
- Reflect creative choices in expression, form, and structure.
- Can be clearly attributed to a person or group with identifiable intent.
Artificial works, by contrast:
- Are generated via algorithms based on patterns in pre-existing data.
- Lack personal creative input.
- Cannot be said to originate from any identifiable human author.
- Are inherently derivative and frequently simulate the work of real artists.
This dichotomy is not just theoretical; it is embedded in legal systems globally, including Nigeria, the United States, and the European Union.
- A Precedence: Michael Smith and the First AI-Generated Music Fraud Prosecution
In a landmark case that underscores the danger of conflating AI output with original work, a North Carolina man Michael Smith was indicted in September 2024 by US federal prosecutors. According to the prosecution, Smith allegedly used artificial intelligence to generate “hundreds of thousands” of songs, which he then streamed via automated bots to fraudulently collect the sum of over $10 million in royalties since 2017.
This is according to the indictment unsealed by Damian Williams, a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and the FBI, which marked the first ever criminal case for AI-assisted streaming fraud. But more critically, Smith’s real offense according to the prosecution, wasn’t simply streaming artificial music, it was copyright fraud and infringement. Prosecutors argued that the AI-generated songs unlawfully utilized material derived from copyrighted content of existing artists, thus constituting theft under intellectual property law.
This case sets a precedent that is likely to reverberate globally. It sends a clear message that using AI to generate content that mimics or remixes copyrighted work is not innovation, rather it is infringement.
- Nigeria’s Emerging AI-Creative Landscape: A Legal Vacuum with Consequences
Nigeria is not immune to the allure of AI. From AI-generated Afrobeats album released in 2023 to synthetic voiceovers in Nollywood scripts, to recent AI-generated movies, creators are increasingly inviting machines into the creative process. However, more disturbing is the fact that Nigeria currently lacks a detailed legal framework on AI-generated works, creating a dangerous grey zone.
But this legal lacuna does not render creators immune. As explained earlier, Nigeria’s Copyright Act 2022 is more than sufficient to prosecute individuals who lay copyright claims to AI-generated works. If it can be shown that such works were copied from existing copyrighted materials, liability attaches immediately, even if the copying was done by an AI tool.
Thus, artists, producers, and studios experimenting with AI must understand thatthe lack of express AI regulation is not a license to infringe. You may not be the original infringer, but by adopting and publishing the work as your own, you assume responsibility for any infringement therein.
- Copyright is Not Registration, it is Originality
Many erroneously believe that securing copyright registration grants ownership. However, copyright does not arise from registration. It arises from human original creation. To this end, registration is merely evidentiary, used to assert and protect rights already earned.
Consequently, registering an AI-generated song with a collecting society or copyright body does not legalize the ownership. It only creates a false veneer of legitimacy, which can easily collapse under scrutiny in law.
As such, even if an AI-assisted song is “registered” and earns revenue through streaming platforms or publishers, the artist remains vulnerable to lawsuits or criminal charges once original creators can identify traces of their work in the AI output.
In Conclusion: Human Creativity Cannot Be Automated, And Neither Can Its Protections
The conversation about AI and intellectual property must not be driven by novelty or convenience, but by the legal and moral foundations of creativity. Copyright exists to encourage the labor of the mind and the spirit. It cannot be claimed over soulless patterns, no matter how harmonious they may sound.
Artists, content creators, and developers must therefore tread carefully. Embracing AI is not inherently wrong, but claiming authorship or ownership over what is essentially a machine-generated remix of human labour is not only a misreading of copyright law, it is an invitation to litigation, financial loss, and public scandal.
In the end, the law is clear: You cannot own what you did not originally create.
NB: This article is for educational and information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For individual cases, consult a licensed intellectual property attorney.
Somadina Eugene-Okorie Esq, an Advocate, Intellectual Property/Business Solicitor, writes from Lekki, Lagos Nigeria
Feature/OPED
Ilorin Durbar 2025: A Living Proof of Unity in Diversity

By Yahaya Yahaya
The 2025 Ilorin Emirate Durbar, held on the third day of Eid al-Adha (June 9, 2025), was more than just a spectacle of horses, culture, and colour. It was a public reaffirmation of who Ilorin is — a city of layered identities, rooted in faith, and grounded in the unshakable unity of its people.
This year’s theme, Unity in Diversity, wasn’t just a slogan. It reflected a living reality — that Ilorin is, and has always been, a city where different cultures, languages, and histories are not just tolerated, but embraced and interwoven. From the palace to the old city interiors, from the processions to the pavilions, the Durbar reminded everyone that Ilorin is a place where Yoruba, Fulani, Baruba, Nupe, Hausa, Kanuri and other communities have lived as one for generations — not in theory, but in practice.
The story of Ilorin stretches back over 200 years, and its evolution into an Emirate is one of the most remarkable examples of how faith and diversity can shape governance and culture. As a frontier city that blended Islamic scholarship with existing traditions, Ilorin grew into a unique urban centre — one that values its religious leadership while still preserving local customs and language.
The early 19th century saw Ilorin become a prominent Islamic Emirate under the spiritual influence of Shehu Alimi, whose legacy still shapes the moral and religious identity of the city today. But what made Ilorin distinct was its ability to absorb and unify — Nupe scholars, Baruba warriors, Kanuri settlers, Hausa traders, and indigenous families all found space within Ilorin’s expanding civic and spiritual structure. That inclusive spirit is not symbolic — it is practical. It is how the city was formed and how it has endured.
That unity has been tested. The battles of Ita Kudimo and Ita Ogunbo remain a key part of Ilorin’s collective memory — episodes where the city had to defend itself from the combined forces of the old Oyo empire and Baruba’s to the North. One of the most striking historical accounts describes an attack launched during Eid prayers — a moment when the city was supposed to be at rest. But Ilorin’s defenders rallied, repelled the invasion, and reasserted their control. These were not just military victories. They became defining moments in the city’s identity — a declaration that Ilorin will always stand together when it matters most.
Durbar, today, is not a re-enactment of those events — but it is a reminder. It reminds us that the unity we celebrate was built through sacrifice, discipline, and shared purpose. And every year, when the Emir emerges from the palace and proceeds through the old city, it is more than a ceremonial ride — it is a public recommitment to the bond between the throne and the people.
This year’s Durbar retained that sacred character. The Emir was led through streets not protected by military convoys, police barricades, or armed escorts — but by his traditional guards, holding only whips. There were no sirens. No armoured vehicles. Because in Ilorin, the people are the protection. The Emir doesn’t need to be shielded from his people — he is shielded by them. That’s not a gesture; it’s a relationship built over centuries.
Another defining feature of this year’s Durbar was the emergence of aso-ebi as a tool for community organisation. Uniform fabrics — chosen by families, streets, associations, or entire districts — were not just a fashion statement. They were a social framework. Planning for aso-ebi required weeks of conversation, coordination, and contribution. In the process, families abroad reconnected with those at home, groups met regularly, tailors got to work, and the community got busy. The result? The city didn’t just look united. It was united.
Durbar 2025 also showcased the impact of youth participation. Young people led media coverage, coordinated logistics, and documented the festival with fresh energy and modern storytelling. The festival was livestreamed and shared globally in real time, with clips and commentary flooding social media from Oja-Oba to London. Ilorin showed that it could hold on to its traditions without closing the door to innovation.
Through all of this, one thing remains true: Ilorin works not because it has one culture, but because it honours all of them. It is held together not by uniformity, but by a shared sense of meaning. While many other societies struggle with managing diversity, Ilorin simply lives it — through prayer, through leadership, and through moments like the Ilorin Durbar.
The 2025 edition was not without its logistical challenges — a festival of this scale always has some. But what it had in abundance was purpose, pride, and peace. And in a country still searching for models of cohesion, Ilorin has quietly offered one, year after year.
As the sun set over the city and the Emir returned to the palace, there was a quiet sense of satisfaction across the emirate. Another Durbar, successfully delivered. Another message, clearly sent. And the people — from Sabo Oke to Gambari, from Okelele to Pakata — all knew: this is ours.
Ilorin Durbar 2026 is already in sight. And if the story remains the same — of unity, order, and belonging — then the next chapter will be even stronger.
And in Ilorin, we don’t just look forward to it. We begin preparing now.
Yahaya Yahaya (Magayaki of Uke, Nasarawa State) writes from Ilorin
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