Broadcasting
EU, British Council to Train Online Publishers on FOI Act
No fewer than 50 publishers of online newspapers are expected in Abuja, Thursday for capacity building on the provisions and application of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act.
The training is supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme funded by the European Union, but managed by the British Council.
ROLAC’s lead Consultant on the Freedom of Information Act, Dr. Walter Duru, who disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday said the target participants are members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers-GOCOP and other select online publishers in Nigeria.
Duru, who also chairs the Board of the Freedom of Information Coalition in Nigeria explained that the training is put together to deepen the understanding of publishers on the use and application of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
While commending ROLAC for what he described as the programme’s huge investments in transparency initiatives in Nigeria, he lamented the poor use of the act by the citizens, adding that the training is one of the ways of enhancing the capacity of non-state actors, while further spreading the message of the FOI Act.
According to him, “the FOI Act aims to make public records and information more freely available and enables citizens to hold the government accountable in the event of the misappropriation of public funds or failure to deliver public services. Unfortunately, there is an embarrassingly low compliance level with the provisions of the Act in Nigeria among public institutions.”
“On the part of the citizens, there is an abysmally low use of the FOI Act. A recent FOI Implementation Assessment by the Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption- MIIVOC, with support from ROLAC showed that the capacity level of non-state actors on the provisions and use of the FOI Act is still very low.”
“Media practitioners are also not taking advantage of the Act to access information that could enhance their profession. This is one of the reasons for this engagement.”
Thursday’s event is supported by the European Union (funded) Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme (managed by the British Council), in collaboration with the Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC); Freedom of Information Coalition in Nigeria (FOIC-N) and the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ).
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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