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UBA Extends Goodwill to Filmmakers

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has restated its commitment to the growth and development of the African movie industry, through the creation of an enabling environment for film and movie financing.
Speaking at the just concluded 2009 African Movie Academy Awards (Amaa) Ceremony held in Bayelsa State, Mr. Martin Anyanwu, group director, Marketing and Corporate Relations, UBA, said that though the UBA-Amaa partnership is a platform for recognizing and rewarding filmmakers, actors and actresses; the bank is going a step further in providing the tools and environment required to access finance.
“Financing is a critical problem faced by the industry not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Apart from this, there are other challenges too. For instance, many filmmakers require coaching and support when it comes to business planning and writing,” he noted.
Anyanwu said that UBA-Amaa will in the present arrangement work in partnership with various sectoral groups including the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and Empretec Nigeria Foundation, for training platforms through workshops/seminars aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial and business planning skills of industry practitioners.
“We have already taken twenty such filmmakers in Nigeria through such programmes and they have in turn submitted proposals which are currently being evaluated by our entertainment desk,” he said.
Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, president, Amaa, noted that African films have the potentials of changing the negative perception of the continent based largely from images fed to the world over the years through the conventional news media.
She said there was the need to produce the right films and equally reward stakeholders so they can be encouraged to do more.
The 2009 UBA-Amaa would go down as one of the biggest gathering of movie makers across the African continent. Hollywood star, Forest Whitaker who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the former Ugandan president, Idi Amin Dada in the ‘The last King of Scotland’ and Danny Glover, witnessed the handing over of the UBA-Amaa plaque to worthy winners.
Since debuting in 2004, UBA-Amaa is increasingly attracting attention from the global community. This is clearly reflected in the growing number of entries submitted from other countries namely: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Rwanda, Niger and Zimbabwe.
With UBA partnership, Amaa is extending its frontiers to the establishment of an African Film Academy, large scale training, production, marketing and commercial distribution of films.
In Nigeria, UBA is also working with the National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board to enforce anti piracy laws; an effort which has culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding to frustrate the sales of pirated works on the streets and shops.

 


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Pheelz Shares His Journey on Glo-Sponsored African Voices

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Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Pheelz (Phillips Kayode Moses) is set to feature this weekend on African Voices Changemakers, the flagship magazine programme on CNN International.

The 30-minute episode, sponsored by digital solutions company Globacom, premieres on Saturday, February 21, 2026. In a candid sit-down with host Larry Madowo, Pheelz opens up about his journey from church musician to global hitmaker, reflecting on the intersections of faith, fame and the expanding influence of Afrobeats on the world stage.

Now 31, Pheelz began his musical path as a multi-instrumentalist in church before earning widespread acclaim in 2012 as the producer behind the hit tracks “First of All” and “Fucking with the Devil” on Olamide’s YBNL album. His rapid rise saw him named among NotJustOk’s Top 10 Hottest Producers in Nigeria in 2013.

He further solidified his reputation by producing nearly every track on Olamide’s Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, earning nominations at The Headies 2013 and in the Producer of the Year category at both The Headies 2014 and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In 2020, he clinched The Headies Producer of the Year award, and in 2021 secured the Soundcity MVP Award for Best Collaboration for “Finesse,” his smash hit with Bnxn (formerly Buju).

On the programme, Pheelz reflects on the experiences that shaped his sound and creative philosophy, discusses landmark collaborations, shares his perspective on artificial intelligence and artistry, and explains why sound, storytelling and culture remain central to African music’s global resonance.

The show airs on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. (WAT) on Saturday, with repeat broadcasts at 12:00 noon the same day; Sunday at 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Monday at 4:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.; and Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. The broadcast schedule continues through Monday of the following week.


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Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation Bolsters Nigeria’s Education Drive with ₦2.7m Student Support

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Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has reinforced government’s educational development efforts in Nigeria through a targeted initiative honouring the late medical doctor and House of Representatives member, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation Bolsters Nigeria's Education Drive with ₦2.7m Student Support

L-R: Son of the late Dr, Cairo Ojougboh, Mr. Nkem Ojougboh; Chairperson, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh and another son, Mr. Orieka Ojougboh, during the event in Agbor, Delta State recently.

The foundation recently hosted a programme themed “Your Future, Your Choice” at St. Columba’s Grammar School in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State.

It presented a cheque of ₦2,700,000 to cover examination fees for students preparing for West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 exams.

Academic excellence received further boosts with cash rewards for top students across the school’s nine academic arms, alongside distributions of notebooks and writing materials to enhance learning.

Chairperson Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, joined by her sons Mr. Nkem and Mr. Orieka Ojougboh, urged students to view challenges as stepping stones, embrace discipline, consistency, and focus, and make intentional choices shaping their futures.

“The school that moulded Dr. Cairo’s values deserves our support,” she said, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to inspiring hard work and personal growth.

Old Boys of St. Columba’s Grammar School, led by Elder Ndudi Agholor, attended in force, sharing nostalgic reflections and praising the school’s sustained high standards under current leadership.

School Principal Rev. Fr. Joseph Ugboh and Ika South LGA Chairman Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior lauded the initiative as “commendable and impactful,” calling for its continuation to preserve Dr. Ojougboh’s legacy of discipline, excellence, and service.

They noted the support had motivated students to pursue their goals with renewed determination, ending the event on a hopeful note.


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New Horizons Nigeria Breaks Ground: First to Fuse Mandarin into ICT Curriculum

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In a landmark educational innovation, New Horizons Nigeria has become the first institution to integrate the Chinese (Mandarin) language into its ICT curricular as an elective, thereby positioning Nigerian students for relevance in the rapidly changing world order.

New Horizons Nigeria Breaks Ground: First to Fuse Mandarin into ICT Curriculum

Mr. Tim Akano, Managing Director and CEO of New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited

New Horizons Nigeria is a leading ICT training and solutions provider committed to provide individuals and institutions with future-ready skills. Through innovative program, global partnerships, and strategic foresight, the organization continues to redefine education, workforce development, and global competitiveness.

With over 80% of global consumer products manufactured in China and China’s growing dominance in global supply chains and labour markets, New Horizons Nigeria recognizes the urgent need for the current generation to understand, speak, and engage with the Chinese language and culture. As global economic power dynamics evolve, the labour market is increasingly tilting towards China, making Mandarin proficiency a critical competitive advantage.

According to Mr. Tim Akano, Managing Director and CEO of New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited, Nigeria, the program represents far more than a language course.

He asserted that very soon, the global labour market is likely to increasingly reflect China’s influence rather than the predominantly western orientation it currently exhibits. Language will be a major differentiator and the first Chinese-speaking technology experts in Nigeria will have a significant advantage, especially in integration into Chinese companies operating locally and globally.

Therefore, New Horizons Nigeria has officially launched a Mandarin Scholarship Program with China Advancement Opportunity, selecting 100 outstanding students from five prominent Nigerian secondary schools. This initiative marks a major milestone in Nigeria–China educational cooperation and reflects a forward-thinking response to shifting global economic realities.

Furthermore, the scholarship program has commenced with an intensive three-month online Mandarin training and at the end of the program, the top-performing students will be selected strictly on merit. 20 outstanding students will receive an additional scholarship valued at $2,500 per students to participate in a one-year pre-degree Mandarin and cultural immersion program in China. From this group, the best candidates will progress to fully funded admission scholarships into top universities in China. This initiative is designed not only to build language proficiency but also to enhance global competence, international exposure, and cultural intelligence among Nigerian students.

Also, to maintain international academic standards, participating schools are required to comply with strict guidelines. They will be obligated to join the online classes ten minutes earlier, they must have a minimum of 85% attendance throughout the program, and must ensure they have a stable internet connectivity, reliable power supply and a conducive learning environment.

Therefore, School owners and administrators have been formally congratulated and strongly encouraged to nominate their most disciplined, and committed students, as advancement to the China program will be strictly merit-based.

However, apart from students, internation business men are equally encouraged to attend New Horizon’s Mandarin executive lessons which will equip them with basic Chinese language to enhance their business communications.

Additionally, while the pilot phase begins with selected secondary schools which includes Startrite School, Lightway School, British Nigerian Academy School, Honeyland Schools and Great Heights School, the Mandarin program will be available as an elective ICT course at all New Horizons retail centers.

This is done to extend access to students and learners beyond its partner schools and within one year, committed learners will be able to communicate effectively in Mandarin, which will open doors to global employment, trade, and cultural exchange.

In conclusion, a Mandarin Cultural Fiesta will be hosted, bringing together educators, students, institutional partners, and distinguished guests from China and Nigeria. The event will celebrate outstanding performance, cross-cultural exchange, and the strengthening of bilateral educational ties.

For enquiries and participation details, interested individuals are encouraged to contact New Horizons Nigeria via 08125541750


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