Broadcasting
NAN, SLTV to Partner on Local TV Content Promotion
Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has assured that the agency will work to promote SLTV, indigenous satellite television, in the country.
Ali gave the assurance when Dr John Nwafor, managing director, Metro Digital Limited, the operator of SLTV paid him a working visit on Friday in Abuja.
The managing director said that promoting indigenous brands would ensure an inclusive development of the country and encourage consumers to buy-in to local products.
“We identify with your goal, which is why we will always tell stories that promote indigenous initiatives.
“NAN is very reliable and trusted brand, and will always be on the side of the underdog, we will always be on the side of the truth.
“Rest assured that this is home and the agency is open to any kind of partnership,’’ he assured.
He further said that the agency was also working on rebranding its local and international offices across the globe, to tell Nigerians and Africans stories inclusively.
According to him, presently we are working on repositioning the agency to compete more favourably with other global brands and work smart.
“We are already positioning to face the impending challenge of Artificial Intelligence and we are looking at having a good automated news content.’’
Earlier, Nwafor, commended the efforts of the Federal Government for encouraging indigenous satellite television companies as SLTV in the network industry.
He explained the process began from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, with the modification of the National Broadcasting Corporation’s (NBC) Codes and Act to accommodate local players.
“The government tried to open up the industry and encourage local players to be part of the satellite television ecosystem, and the government effected some changes in the NBC code and Act.
“The Copyright Act was also modified to encourage Nigerians to participate in the industry, because we believe that when the industry is opened up, the consumers will win.
“Then, former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed invited us to look at the framework and see how we can participate.
“It was in that process we applied for licence for our Direct-to-Home transmission paid television, which is SLTV,’’ he said.
He further said the action was followed with a mandatory court order to ensure that the reviewed NBC code was adhered to and implemented.
Nwafor said that the intervention by the government was to end exclusivity of content by few giant satellite television companies.
The SLTV boss appreciated the management of NAN for telling the story of the emergence of SLTV, adding that indigenous satellite television networks would thrive with the support of Nigerians.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of three SLTV decoders and dishes to the management of NAN.
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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