AMVCA: Sanwo-Olu calls for tougher fight against piracy

Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a united and uncompromising crackdown on piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry, warning that creative talent and artistic excellence would lose value if creators are denied the financial rewards of their work.

The Lagos governor made the remarks during the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held at Eko Hotels & Suites on Saturday.

Addressing entertainment industry stakeholders, Sanwo-Olu said Africa’s rapidly growing creative sector must be protected through stronger action against intellectual property theft.

“All of the great work you’re all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take shine out of all of this,” he said.

The governor described piracy as one of the greatest threats to the economic future of entertainers and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate it across the continent.

“We need to kill piracy in whatever form, shape, because we want you all to be economically sound, to have the full benefit, full economic benefit, of your sweat,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu noted that while Nigerian and African entertainment continue to gain international recognition, piracy remains a major obstacle that deprives creators of revenue and undermines sustainable growth within the industry.

He stressed that the intellectual capacity and talent driving Africa’s entertainment success must translate into real economic prosperity for creatives.

“With all your intellectual capacity, with all your God-given talents… all of that must mean something to you,” he said.

The governor also pledged continued support from the Lagos State Government to strengthen the entertainment ecosystem and create an environment where creatives can thrive without exploitation.