Broadcasting
CFC Screens Bayelsan Silhouettes for Fight against HIV/AIDS
Communicating for Change (CFC) last week hosted an informative broadcaster’s forum tailored to further partnership with the media in helping to fight the HIV/AIDS scourge, and also to launch an award winning series, Bayelsan Silhouettes, to Nigerian broadcasters.
The forum themed: ‘The Role of the Media in Reducing the Spread of HIV and AIDS among Nigeria’s Youth,’ saw a stimulating discussion among broadcasters and stakeholders present. It was advised that the media be cautious about their choice of language and desist from using derogatory terminologies in reference to HIV/AIDS.
Bayelsan Silhouettes is a series of seven Nollywood style film dramas set in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, and an interactive website that are both designed to be appealing and educative, to help empower youth audiences on issues bordering on HIV/AIDS.
Mrs. Sandra Obiago, executive director, CFC said: “After numerous discussions with people in the Delta – ranging from health professionals, school teachers, secondary school and university students, community leaders, and government officials working in the health and media sectors; we became convinced that films that address important health challenges with a focus on HIV/AIDS would be both relevant and vital in ensuring the health and viability of the people of the Niger Delta.”
According to her, “the importance of the media in bringing about sustainable developmental change is a belief that is at the very core CFC, informing all of our activities and projects. CFC believes that the messages contained in film, radio and print publications can help to encourage audiences towards positive social change, whilst also providing fun and exciting entertainment, aptly demonstrated by films such as the Bayelsan Silhouettes series.”
“Today’s broadcast forum looks at the role of the media in reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS among Nigeria’s youth, to show that with culturally appropriate programming, broadcasters can help spread awareness and ultimately help to tackle its spread,” Obiago added.
Likewise, Dr. Babatunde Fakunle, manager, Shell Regional Community Health, said: “By hosting this forum and partnering with the media, CFC is providing Nigerian broadcast stations with an excellent opportunity to come together to discuss how they can use their privileged position to educate their audiences on HIV and AIDS, specifically targeting youth,” adding “I hope that today’s launch of Bayelsan Silhouettes and the complimentary copies made available will ensure that the films are widely screened so that the message of health protection and HIV and AIDS awareness is able to reach a wide local and national audience.”
Bayelsan Silhouettes was written and inspired by young people in the Niger delta region and the films provide an excellent tool that can be used to educate viewers nationwide on the need to make informed choices to protect their health. The film and website were the results of a three-year project, including an in-depth research element where CFC visited the Niger delta to engage with local youth to determine their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards HIV/AIDS, as well as understand their media consumption habits.
The project was sponsored and developed in partnership with the Health Team of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
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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