Veteran singer and songwriter, Veno Marioghae-Mbanefo, has broken her silence following her landmark copyright victory against Airtel Nigeria, describing the judgment as a deeply emotional moment of gratitude, vindication and renewed faith in justice.
Reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Lagos, Marioghae said the decision proved that Nigeria Go Survive, the iconic song she wrote and released in 1985, did not just survive the decades but has now survived exploitation as well.
“This victory is not just mine,” she said. “It belongs to every Nigerian creative who has ever watched their work used without consent. It proves that our art has value and our voices matter.”
The judgment, delivered by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1822/2022, found Airtel Network Limited liable for unlawfully using Nigeria Go Survive for advertising, promotional and telemarketing purposes without obtaining the required licence from its creator. The court awarded ₦210 million in damages and issued mandatory and perpetual injunctions barring further unauthorised use of the song.
According to the court, Airtel’s actions amounted to copyright infringement and the performance of “restricted acts” under Nigerian law, ordering the telecoms firm to immediately withdraw the song from all platforms where it had been deployed for commercial engagement.
Marioghae said her decision to approach the court in September 2022 was driven by principle rather than profit, noting that the case was about protecting the dignity of creative labour and setting a precedent for younger artists.
She reserved special praise for her lead counsel, Barrister Rockson Igelige, whom she described as a tireless defender of justice and creativity. According to her, Igelige committed three demanding years of rigorous legal work, often at great personal sacrifice, to ensure that the case was diligently prosecuted to its conclusion.
“Barrister Rockson Igelige did more than represent a client,” she said. “He defended a cause. His discipline, legal insight and belief in justice made this victory possible.”
Marioghae also thanked Nigerians who kept Nigeria Go Survive alive in their hearts over the years, saying the song’s message of resilience has now found fresh meaning in the courtroom.
She expressed hope that the judgment would serve as a warning to corporations and a reassurance to creatives that the law can, and will, protect original works when courage and persistence are applied.