Broadcasting
Daddy Freeze Bows Out of Radio Broadcasting; Becomes Cool FM’s First Hall of Fame Inductee
Nigerian on-air-personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has announced his final exit from radio broadcasting after dedicating twenty-six years of professional service.
This is coming after Daddy Freeze began his radio career in 1996 with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) after which he joined Cool FM in 2001 where he spent twenty years.
He later joined Nigeria Info, a sister station to Cool FM and Wazobia FM, in 2020 until he decided to take a final bow from radio journalism this year.
Following his long-standing achievements with both Cool FM and Nigeria Info, Daddy Freeze has been announced as the pioneer inductee of Cool FM’s Hall of Fame. This was revealed at his send-forth party which was organised to celebrate his years of professionalism, commitment and dedication towards the success of both Cool FM and Nigeria Info.
Appreciating Daddy Freeze for his long-standing commitment, Serge Noujaim, the Chief Executive Officer of Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info, and Arewa FM (CWIA), noted that his inputs were critical in solidifying Cool FM’s position across the Nigerian entertainment ecosystem.
“The contributions of Daddy Freeze have been instrumental to the growth Cool FM has achieved across the country over the years. His level of first-class professionalism, commitment and intelligence has been one that has brought the office numerous accolades and recognitions.
“As such, he has creatively remained a force to be reckoned with within the Nigerian media and entertainment space despite his unique views on diverse socio-political issues.
“It is to this end I intend to use this medium to appreciate Daddy Freeze for his years of excellent service to both Cool FM and Nigeria Info, including the nation at large,” he noted.
Responding to the comments of the CEO, Daddy Freeze noted that the management of Cool FM and Nigeria Info was instrumental to the successes he recorded in his career as they gave him the platform to personality on the radio.
“I would like to utilize this moment to appreciate the love and support the management of Cool FM and Nigeria Info, gave me during my days on radio.
“I am also appreciative of the fact that the management truly showed me the love and care I needed, particularly during my lowest moment on the job.
“I will also like to thank the CEO for giving me the rare privilege to present my show from home for the past two year on Nigeria Info. This, to me, has remained my greatest record as a broadcaster,” he enthused.
Other persons inducted into the Hall of Fame include Esther Oyegue, Former Group Heap of News and Deputy Head of Station, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info, and Arewa Radio; Alero Eghagha, Former Head of Music; Georges MacNobleson, former political editor; and Clementine Okonye, former news editor.
Cool FM Hall of Fame is a platform specially dedicated to recognising the professional commitment of the long-serving staff of the organisation who have contributed to the growth and expansion of the radio group over the years.
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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