Broadcasting
Lagos, M-net Ink Historic Deal as Face of Africa Final Heads to The City!
The Lagos State Government and M-Net have announced a landmark partnership that will culminate in a dazzling celebration of style and fashion when the state hosts the FACE OF AFRICA 2010 FINAL on February 6, 2010!
Memorably intertwined together from the exact moment when model scouts spotted future winner Oluchi Onweagba on its streets a decade ago, the State of Lagos and Face of Africa have shared a special history from the very first season of the magical, life-changing search.
A decade on, Oluchi is arguably the continent’s most recognizable international model and her modeling agency, O Model Africa, will represent this year’s winner.
Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, executive governor of Lagos State, said that Lagos State is proud to host the continent’s number one model search. “Lagos State is delighted to play a part in the prestigious Face of Africa competition and we look forward to welcoming luminaries from across the continent – along with Africa’s most promising models – to Lagos in February this year,” he said.
The Face of Africa model search, now in its 8th edition, is the continent’s premier model search. Developed and screened by M-Net, the show sees model scouts scouring the continent in the hope of unearthing Africa’s next catwalk sensation. As with Oluchi, the show often unearths rags-to-riches tales as some of Africa’s most striking and iconic women are plucked from obscurity and given the chance to represent Africa on the catwalks of Paris, Milan and New York.
The partnership between M-Net and The Lagos State Government will see the State showcase its rich culture and history, it’s commercial and financial power, the investment opportunities in the Centre of Excellence and its talented fashion designers to the continent – and, in the flesh, over 500 VIP delegates who will attend the Final.
The State will host a special Governor’s Ball the evening before the Final, a VIP event where important stakeholders, celebrities and dignitaries will be able to rub shoulders and meet the Face of Africa finalists, who will also be introduced to the Governor.
Then, on 6 February, the glittering Face of Africa Final will be held at the new Eko Hotel Convention Centre – the first time the Final has been hosted and filmed in West Africa in the history of the show.
Biola Alabi, M-Net’s Africa, managing director said that Lagos State is a perfect partner for the Face of Africa Model Search. “Face of Africa is all about hope and transformation – assets it shares with Lagos State itself as one of the most progressive and dynamic States on the continent,” she says. “We at M-Net look forward to showcasing Lagos State’s energetic and fascinating people, culture and scenery as we name Africa’s next supermodel in Lagos next year.”
The Face of Africa Model Search winner will take home a USD50 000 cash prize and a modeling contract with Oluchi’s O Model Africa, which will propel her into the international modeling spotlight.
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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