Broadcasting
Asein, NCC Boss Tasks Stakeholders to Enhance Creatives, Receives the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize
Dr. John O. Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has emphasised the need for Governments and Stakeholders in Africa to invest more in the youths, pay more attention to the creative sector, and develop the copyright industry, noting that the strength of the continent is in its youth.
Dr. Asein stated this while receiving the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for Integrity and Transparency as a “Pan African Public Service Veteran”, from a Pan-African group, Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD), on January 6, 2023 in Abuja.
The group particularly noted his contribution to the growth of the creative sector in Nigeria and also awarded the Commission a separate commendation for its efforts at strengthening copyright policies and the development of intellectual property in Africa.
The Director-General observed that copyright and other aspects of intellectual property have been the drivers of major economies across the globe, adding that with proper policies and structures, Africa has immense creative talents that have appeal in all regions of the world.
To this end, he urged African leaders to create an enabling environment for youths to take advantage of the new African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). “If we don’t empower our youths to enable them key-in and use the platform gainfully, we will end up creating a free trade zone that would benefit outsiders to the detriment of Africa,” he cautioned.
He gave assurances that beyond the fight against piracy and other efforts to sanitise the copyright ecosystem in Nigeria, the Commission would do more to create creativity nursery beds for grooming talents especially amongst the youths.
“The NCC will be one of those agencies that will work tirelessly to empower the youths, just as we want to empower women, as part of the celebration of the 2023 World Intellectual Property Day which focuses especially on Women” he said.
While appreciating the YOUPAD team led by their President, Ms. Etongo Francine, for conferring him and the Commission with the Awards, the Director-General, called on African youths to promote respect for copyright and the development of indigenous intellectual products. He also enjoined youths to hold leaders accountable to ensure better service delivery.
Dr. Asein dedicated the awards and accolades he had received over the years to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who found him worthy to be appointed as Chief Executive of the Commission.
He also thanked the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, CON, for setting the policy direction for the Justice Sector and supporting the Commission’s efforts to change the copyright narrative for wealth creation.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary General of YOUPAD, Mr. Kewul Suleh noted that the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for Integrity and Transparency is strictly reserved to recognise and appreciate African leaders who have distinguished themselves by contributing, through their various fields of endeavours, towards the development of their countries and the building of a more prosperous and independent Africa.
He stated the Awards are in recognition of the collective efforts of the NCC Management and Staff at providing a safe environment for the growth of copyright talents and industries; the Director-General’s hard work and dedication towards national development; his positive transformation of the Commission since his assuming office; contributions to intellectual property growth and protection in Africa; dedication to the course of the blind, visually impaired and print disabled persons; integrity and administrative prudence, among other things.
He urged, Dr. Asein to continue to be a good African ambassador, noting that his depth of knowledge of intellectual property and copyright as well as his dedication and values make him a great asset worthy of emulation by the youths across the continent.
Other YOUPAD Executives at the event were: Director Finance, Mr. Abel Okewu and the Nigeria Coordinator, Mr. Nwankwo Henry Nkem. Also, on the Commission’s team were the Director Finance and Accounts, Mr. Mark Obasi; Director Administration, Dr. Idowu Ogunkuade; Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike; and the Assistant Director in the Director-General’s Office, Mr. Seun Popoola.
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.
Broadcasting
Davido, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Karl Toriola, Others To Be Honoured At The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards In Lagos
Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is excited to announce the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and connection, culminating in the End of the Year Awards & Celebration on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards
This historic occasion marks the first time the world-famous Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony—traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria.
The week will feature events such as Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons, all culminating in the awards celebration.
The evening will honor the Best & Brightest of the Year, recognizing exceptional individuals and institutions whose work has advanced Global African Achievement and Black Excellence across business, government, media, culture, and technology.
Key Recognitions for 2025
– Governor of the Year & City of the Year: His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, honored alongside Lagos as City of the Year for its global leadership in culture, innovation, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
– Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, will be honoured as Minister of the Year for her contribution to the creative economy’s role in nation branding and cultural diplomacy.
– Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom
– Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, OANDO
– CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; who will deliver a keynote address, recognized for his transformative leadership and impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy.
Others include; Karl Toriola of MTN as CEO of the year, Uche Pedro of Bella Naija as Lifestyle Personality Of The Year, Ojy Okpe of Artise News as Most Influential News Anchor Of The Year, Stephanie Busari as Media Executive of the Year, Kayode Okikiolu as Pressman of the year, Davido as Artist of the year and several others.
In celebrating this year’s honorees, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, owners of Martell Cognac, who emerged as Brand Of The Year expressed deep appreciation for the brand’s continued global recognition, saying: “It’s a great reward for the team who’s delivered Martell excellently in Nigeria over the years.
“We say thank you to the teams, we say thank you to our consumers and we say thank you to MIPAD.
“Martell has a lot of promising experiences in the years to come in Nigeria and with this we invite you over to Nigeria to experience Detty December”.
The ceremony will also celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 Honorees, alongside past Nigerian honorees who were unable to attend their year of recognition in New York.
“For the first time, we’re bringing our world-famous recognition platform home to celebrate excellence within the Global Africa Family — right here in Lagos,” said Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman of MIPAD. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement uniting the best of us — connecting, collaborating, and working together to change the world.”
Event Details
📍 Lagos, Nigeria
– Friday, Dec 19 – #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition FREE
– Sunday, Dec 21 – End of Year Recognition & Award Ceremony STRICTLY BY INVITATION
🎟️ RSVP: https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad
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