Broadcasting
Asein, DG NCC Urges Young Lawyers to Tap from the Opportunities in IP
Dr. John Asein, the Director–General, Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has encouraged young lawyers in the country to tap from the rich resources offered by IP in the evolving world.
The DG made these remarks during his address at a Capacity Building Training on Copyright organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Unity Branch Abuja for members of Young Lawyers Forum Unity Branch FCT, held at the JK Gadzama Court in Abuja.
Speaking further, the DG explained that such training is the Commission’s focused attempt at ensuring that adequate knowledge was acquired on copyright and IP in general.
He said the training platform was one of such collaborations with critical stakeholders to enable individuals and organisations understand the workings of the copyright eco-system and how it can be explored for economic benefits.
According to the DG ‘’The NCC is interested in having a pact with all persons and organisations interested in IP so we can mentor them to boost knowledge on the operations of the Copyright System.’’ adding that ‘Copyright law is a good entry point into IP and other areas of technology and all that the digital environment is bringing.’’
Commenting on the recently signed Copyright Act 2023, the DG assured that the Bill has much to offer to the development of the Copyright Industry and would propel interest and growth in different sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the event, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) Unity Branch, Mr. Afam Okeke commended the Commission for the initiative to train young lawyers on copyright stating that the training was conceptualized during the courtesy visit of the Unity Bar to the NCC recently.
The Chairman assured the lawyers that the event was intended to impart knowledge on copyright and IP emerging aspects of the Legal profession with huge economic benefits. According to him ‘’IP and copyright are a goldmine that when fully harnessed has the potentials of satisfying the economic needs of law practitioners and boosting the economy in general.’’
The Bar Chairman urged members to use the training as an opportunity to explore and interrogate issues and potentials in the fast-growing field.
He expressed optimism that the presentations would do justice to many areas of copyright which would add value to their knowledge of the field.
The first presentation was done by the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy, Mr. Collins Nweke who looked at the topic “General Overview of Copyright and Related Rights in Nigeria”.
Mr. Obi Ezeilo, Director Operations, NCC presented a paper on the topic, “Understanding Infringements, Actions and Remedies under the Copyright Act”; A presentation on “WIPO Services and Capacity Building Opportunities for Young Lawyers” was handled by head, WIPO Nigeria Office, Oluwatobiloba Moody; while the last presentation on “Copyright Issues in the Digital Environment: Challenges and Opportunities” was presented by the Director, Regulatory and Compliance, NCC, Mr. Mike Akpan.
The Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum, Mr. Ambaleze Okeke in his vote of thanks appreciated the NCC and WIPO Office for the presentations on copyright and related issues noting that the training he believes has significantly exposed members of the Forum to different issues of Copyright.
He commended the resource persons for their excellent presentations while also expressing the profound gratitude of the Chairman, FCT Unity Branch to all organisations involved in the collaboration.
The Meeting had over fifty young lawyers in attendance with an interactive session where a number of issues based on the four presentations for the day were reviewed.
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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