Broadcasting
Copyright Commission Threatens School Proprietors Patronising Pirated Books
School proprietors who are found distributing or patronising pirated books would, henceforth, be arrested and prosecuted, Dr. John O. Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has cautioned.
Dr. Asein gave this warning while speaking on Brekete Family Reality Talk Magazine Programme during a copyright advocacy visit to Human Rights Radio 101.1 FM and Television Station, in Abuja recently.
Reading the riot act, the Director-General stated that the Commission was intensifying its antipiracy campaign against all forms of copyright piracy, particularly in the book industry, as schools resume for the new academic session.
According to him, it was incumbent on school proprietors, principals, heads of schools and those responsible for the management of schools to ensure that they patronised accredited publishers’ representatives and booksellers to avoid falling into the hands of unscrupulous elements with intent to channel pirated books through the book system.
The Director-General also urged the public to support the efforts of the Commission by reporting any suspicious activities of printers, booksellers and warehouses, especially in residential areas. He advised them to avoid street traders.
While enlightening the public on the Commission’s mandates, he stressed the importance of intellectual property (IP), particularly copyright, to the socio economic development of the country and expressed concern that piracy constituted a major challenge to the creative industry.
He lamented that billions of Naira were being lost annually to the nefarious activities of pirates and those he described as enemies of IP growth.
The Director-General proposed more collaboration among the agencies responsible for IP matters, to provide a one-stop shop for better service delivery and prompt response to the needs of the creative and innovative Nigerians.
He also commended the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other enforcement and security agencies for supporting the Commission in the national antipiracy campaign.
He expressed the Commission’s appreciation to the Executive Media Strategist and Chief Executive Officer of Human Rights Radio and Television, Dr. Ahmad Isah, a.k.a.
“Ordinary President”, for his show of support for the creative industry and the activities of the Commission. The Ordinary President had offered to assist the Commission with free public awareness opportunities and copyright advocacy jingles on Human Rights Radio and Television.
Speaking earlier, the Ordinary President, Dr. Ahmad Isah admonished the public to support the efforts of the Commission and respect intellectual property. He urged the Commission to step up its copyright education and enlightenment efforts to acquaint Nigerians with the immense opportunities that abound in the field.
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.
Woherem Proposes Pragmatic Roadmap to End Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria
AfDB Group Mobilises Global Private Capital to Close Africa’s Financing Gap
FIRS says NIN, CAC Numbers to Serve as Tax IDs from 2026
REDAN Seals Landmark MoU, Validates Sytemap’s Real Estate Infrastructure
Oyedele Dismisses Claims Bank Accounts Without TIN Will Be Frozen
Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report
Cyber Tsunami Hits Nigeria as Breaches Surge 1,047%, esentry Q3 Report Reveals
Minister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
GenAI Adoption Among African workers Outpace Global Peers
Jumia’s Data Shows Nigerians Turning to Digital Retail to Navigate Inflation Pressures
News3 days agoUS Okays $2.1Bn for Christian Healthcare in Nigeria
General News3 days agoThe Mood Market to Light Up Lagos with a Rooftop Gifting, Food & Lifestyle Fair this Christmas
News3 days agoSERAP Asks Tinubu to Release CTC of Tax Bill
Broadcasting3 days agoTim Akano Recounts 20-Year Growth, Media Support at NITRA End-of-Year Meet
E-Financial3 days agoSterling Bank, Water.org, Sterling One Foundation Partner on WASH Loan for Millions
General News3 days agoLeo Stan Ekeh: A “Rare Avis”, an Unconquerable Entrepreneur
- News2 days ago
US Begins Partial Visa Ban on Nigerians January 1
General News3 days agoFCCPC Forces Ikeja Electric Into Compliance, Unseals Headquarters After Rights Breach