Broadcasting
NCC Canvasses for Emerging Digital Platforms
Mr. John O. Asein, director-general of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has challenged music practitioners and rights managers in the country to make necessary changes in their business models to enable them take advantage of new opportunities offered by emerging digital platforms to boost the returns on their intellectual and financial investments.
The Director-General made the call while addressing participants at a Sensitisation Webinar on the US Music Modernization Act (MMA) organised by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the United States Copyright Office on 27 August 2020.
Mr. Asein informed participants that the focus of the webinar was to enlighten stakeholders in the music industry on the new Act, noting that “the US Music Modernization Act shows how a country can, through appropriate legislative intervention, take advantage of consumer trends and leverage on technological development”.
The Director-General used the opportunity to reassure Nigerians that the new Nigerian Copyright Bill which has already been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will go a long way to modernise the Nigerian copyright system. “It will certainly equip the Commission and right owners with the required tools to better address the new challenges posed by an ever-changing digital landscape and make it easier to check online abuses,” he said.
While observing that weak regulatory and administrative framework for rights management was part of the challenges facing the Nigerian music industry, he reiterated Government’s willingness to “provide the necessary legislative and regulatory support to achieve a strong, balanced and efficient copyright system that works for the benefit of the creative industries”.
Speaking at the webinar, Mr. John Riley, Assistant General Counsel, US Copyright Office, stated that in a bid to streamline copyright related issues in music to address emerging challenges of new forms of technology for digital streaming, the United States signed the Music Modernization Act into law on 11th October 2018.
He added that the MMA which will come into force on 1st January 2021 has provisions for the music licensing process to enable right holders to be remunerated when their music is streamed online.
Mr. Riley explained that music authors and composers across the globe were required under the Act to register with the Mechanical Licencing Collective (MLC) to enable them enjoy due remuneration for their music when streamed in the digital environment. According to him, “The MLC is a structure set up and covered by the Act which ensures that royalties will actually be collected and distributed”.
The webinar was moderated by Ms. Aurelia Schultz, Counsel, Policy and International Affairs, US Copyright Office and Mr. Mike Akpan, Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (NCA).
Prominent industry stakeholders who participated in the webinar included representatives of the following associations: Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN), Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN).
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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