Broadcasting
EURO Filmfest Rolls in Abuja, as Nigeria, SA Open New Chapter
Edem Duke, minister of Culture and Tourism, has said that the Nigerian movie industry and the South African movie industry would collaborate to promote the industries of both countries.
Duke told journalists on the sideline of the opening of the 2013 European Union Film Festival in Abuja that Nigeria had received proposals from Zollywood, South African movie industry to that effect.
He said that Nigeria was ready to offer its support for the development of Zollywood.
“We have enquiries from the industry, especially southern Africa. They are developing an industry called Zollywood and they desire a working collaboration with the Nigerian movie industry and it is important for us.
“They have provided great audience for our movies and so if we can work with them to also develop their local industry, it will be a win-win situation.”
The Minister described film as “a veritable platform for engaging young people” and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating avenues for job creation.
He also urged stakeholders in the movie industry to use their creative skills to tell the Nigerian story in the right perspective.
Also speaking in a separate interview, Dr. David MacRae, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said that the EU was portraying the diversity of its culture through film.
MacRae said Nigeria and Europe shared the same similarities of cultural diversity, adding that such diversity should strengthen the unity of the country.
“The films in general are very diverse and this reflects the diversity of Europe; in the same way here in Nigeria, we have a nation of 250 ethnicities all living together side by side.
“Now in Europe we rejoice in our diversity; we regard this as a strength; it makes life more interesting, and we should value our diversity; we should take pride in our diversity and the fact that we live in a nation of the size of Nigeria with all these different ethnicities living side by side – it is a positive thing.
“That is the message that I hope, through film we can portray to the public at large.”
The EU ambassador said that the film festival was an excellent way to share values and build bridges to mutual understanding between Nigeria and EU.
The EU Film Festival is part of activities to mark the Europe Day celebration and since its inauguration in 2008, 90 films have been screened so far.
The 2013 film festival is expected to be extended to Kaduna, Jos, Port Harcourt,s and Lagos.
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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