Broadcasting
Ekeh @ AMVCA, Says Nollywood is Biggest Wealth Creator in Africa
Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh has identified the Nigerian movie industry as the next biggest wealth creator in Africa.
Ekeh, at 6th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), affirmed that the wealth-creating potential of the Nigerian movie industry is huge, noting that the industry’s capacity as the next goldmine will manifest in the second quarter of the 21st Century.
“I just thought I should encourage the superstars, the upcoming superstars, the script writers and the producers. I think you have about 76 months to emerge in the second quarter of this century where you become the mega wealth producers of Africa.”
While congratulating the winners and the not-so-lucky nominees, Ekeh who pledged a dozen Zinox Whizkid tablets to the winners of the best overall movie category for donation to any school of their choice, urged stakeholders in the industry to stay on course and continue to interprete their roadmap and vision in order to ensure clarity of purpose.
“You are in a profession that you do not have to retire from. The older you get, the more quality assignments you get and the more money you make. So, I want to congratulate everyone and wish you a century filled with wealth,” he enthused.
In a chat with the media on the sidelines of the event, Ekeh further urged the government of Nigeria and other African leaders to focus on the movie industry in view of its immense employment generation opportunities and capacity for wealth creation.
“The movie industry in the 21st Century is the biggest knowledge business and wealth creator and this is why I think the Nigerian government and African leaders should focus on it for job creation and wealth generation.
“Considering the rapid pace of technological advancements, a number of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, among others, will take the place of many employees in the manufacturing industries, hence we need to leverage on the immense opportunities in the movie industry to empower our youth and boost the economy.”
Informally referred to as Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry reportedly produces about 50 movies per week, second only to India’s Bollywood—more than Hollywood in the United States.
Although its revenues are not on par with Bollywood’s and Hollywood’s, Nollywood is believed to generate an impressive $590 million annually and one of Nigeria’s largest employer of labour with over a million people in its fold.
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.
Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period
Banks quietly move to enforce new ₦50 transfer levy from Jan. 1
Nigeria’s Internet Usage Hits 1.24m Terabytes – NCC
World Bank Reveals Obstacles to Growth of Mobile Money Accounts in Sub-Saharan Africa
NCC Ranked Among Top 3 MDAs for Best Website Performance in 2025
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
News2 days agoFIRS Declares NIN, CAC Numbers as Tax IDs from 2026
E-Financial2 days agoWorld Bank Reveals Obstacles to Growth of Mobile Money Accounts in Sub-Saharan Africa
Telecom2 days agoNCC Ranked Among Top 3 MDAs for Best Website Performance in 2025
Telecom1 day agoNigeria’s Internet Usage Hits 1.24m Terabytes – NCC
E-Financial10 hours agoBanks quietly move to enforce new ₦50 transfer levy from Jan. 1
General News10 hours agoEcobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period