Broadcasting
Bollywood Meets Nollywood at Ioniff
Bollywood, the largest producer of movies in the world will for the first time in Nigeria meet with Nollywood the second largest producer of movies in terms of titles.
The meeting of these great institutions of filmmaking is made possible by the producer of Ioniff Port Harcourt 09, Omcomm, who have appointed Parminder Vir OBE as programme consultant to produce the section of the programme on Connecting Bollywood to Nollywood.
Parminder is an award-winning film and television producer of drama, documentary, current affairs and entertainment with over 20 years experience, and has worked with BBC, ITV, Channel Four and Carlton Television. Her credits include Babymother, a reggae musical, with such acclaimed documentaries as Algeria Women at War, The Sex Warriors and The Samurai. She is also the managing director of PVL Media Consultants, which specializes in accessing multi cultural markets and raising private equity finance for film and media businesses, a non executive director of Goldcrest Films; and a former manager in charge of Ingenious World Cinema, an equity fund set up by Ingenious Media Investment, investing in feature films from emerging markets.
In a chat with Box office, Parminder said she was pleasantly surprised at the positive reception Bollywood movies had enjoyed in Nigeria for over fifty years, with Nigerian audiences watching Bollywood movies, embracing the songs, fashion and stories of the film culture. “I am always amazed at the ease with which Nigerians will recall the names of the Bollywood stars, the dialogue and even sing the songs, given that this is not their language or culture. Over the years, I have become a great admirer of the Nollywood film industry which is very similar to the Bollywood film industry with their “can do” attitude. In the absences of government support, both have created an industry which contributes substantially to the wealth of the nation.”
A regular speaker and panelist at international film festivals and media conferences on international film finance, co-productions and emerging media opportunities in India, China and other emerging markets, Parminder is also on the board of several organizations working in various capacities as director or non executive director, among which are Screen Writers Festival, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Patron of Skillset, Young Vic Theatre, UK India Business Council and TiE Charter.
As part of the programme for Ioniff Port-Harcourt 09, leading Bollywood producers will be invited to share their experiences in the industry, its cultural and economical value, and explore collaborative opportunities for Nollywood producers to work with the Indian film industry.
There will also be a panel discussion on new models of financing media in terms of developing creative and financial partnerships and accessing new markets.
The synergy between both movie industries will also be buttressed by celebrating the stars of both industries who will be invited to attend the festival as guests of honor.
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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