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NCC Pledges Support in Production of Books in Accessible Format for the Blind
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has assured publishers that in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), it would provide the requisite technical support to facilitate the production of books in accessible formats until publishers align with the new model.
Dr. John O. Asein, Director-General, NCC, stated this during a Virtual Special Google Awareness Meeting on Accessible Publishing, a collaborative programme between the NCC, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and NAB.
Dr. Asein, in his statement, reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission in working closely with publishers to ensure that more blind people were able to read in line with the slogan, ‘Let the blind read’.
While calling for intensified collaboration with the NPA in the production of books in accessible formats, he informed that the NCC was already engaged in discussions with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and other agencies for the inclusion of a national policy that would enable the deployment of Government funds for publishing books that are borne accessible.
He called for the support of NPA in pushing this policy to make more books available in their repository.
The Director-General further stated that it has become imperative to take practical steps to make books available for the blind because the insertion of the clause in the new Copyright Bill would be of no effect if it was left unattended to.
He urged publishers to leverage on the opportunities that WIPO and other development partners were providing in terms of training and funding to explore accessible publishing in view of the huge market and demands from libraries and individuals who want to have access to the materials.
In her remarks, Ms Monica Halil, a representative of Accessible Book Construction (ABC), a public private partnership headed by the WIPO, said the core activity of the organisation in the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty was the promotion of accessible publishing.
She encouraged those who want to exploit e-publications that “there is the right market with legal requirements for people who are practice able”.
She urged publishers to sign into the ABC Charter for accessible publishing for proper guidance, noting that leveraging on the trainings by the African Publishing Intervention Fund, by registering, would help them in accessing funds for production of accessible books.
The online meeting provided an avenue to address concerns of publishers in the area of producing books in accessible formats and how to make the materials available so that the blind and visually impaired persons can have access to books.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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