Broadcasting
Asien, DG NCC Initiates Staff Neighbourhood Anti-piracy Surveillance
Mr. John Ohi Asein, Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has initiated a new operational strategy for the Commission, named Staff Neighbourhood Anti-piracy Surveillance (SNAPS).
The Director-General who disclosed this at the maiden NCC Staff Monthly Keep-Fit Exercise held at the Millennium Park, Abuja, stated that under SNAPS, all staff members would engage in anti-piracy surveillance and copyright awareness activities geared towards the actualisation of the Commission’s statutory mandates.
He tasked all staff members to be on the watch out for activities of pirates and endeavour to educate people about copyright in their neighbourhoods.
Mr. Asein stated that intelligence gathered during SNAPS on the activities of pirates should be channelled by staff through their Heads of Departments and the Director of Enforcement to his Office for prompt follow-up actions.
The Director-General indicated that the Commission would soon introduce a Stakeholders’ Neighbourhood Anti-piracy Surveillance (SNAPS) as a proactive public private sector collaboration for effective copyright promotion, protection and enforcement strategy.
According to him, the upcoming stakeholders’ SNAPS would enable the Commission to engage and empower copyright stakeholders as the eyes and development partners of NCC in the creative industries.
He added that the initiative would would assist in building critical synergy in the fight against piracy while boosting public enlightenment on copyright issues nationwide.
Stressing the importance of fitness exercise, the DG urged staff members to embark on regular keep-fit exercise in view of its necessity for their health and bonding among operatives of the Commission.
The Director-General stated that in view of the necessity of physical fitness for officers of the Commission as Copyright Inspectors and functionaries of an enforcement Agency, fitness exercise would henceforth be inbuilt as part of staff promotion examinations.
Mr. Asein who commended the turnout and passion displayed by staff during the exercise, noted that staff members could achieve a lot by tapping into their innate talents.
He urged NCC staff in State Offices to identify with the Keep-fit initiative at the Headquarters by replicating same at their respective Offices.
The DG encouraged all staff to exercise regularly in their private moments and mind what they eat. He said he looked forward to a family recreational outing for all staff and their families.
Among a total of 29 staff that participated in the exercise were Mr. Mike Akpan, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr. Obi Ezeilo, Director, Prosecution; and Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso, Director, Public Affairs. Also in attendance were representatives from DG’s Office, Departments of Legal Services, PRS, Prosecution, Public Affairs, Administration, Finance and Accounts and Nigerian Copyright Institute (NCI).
The exercise is billed to hold on the second Saturday of every month while the DG has hinted that a trophy may be introduced for the best participating Department in subsequent editions.
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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