Broadcasting
NCC, NCS Sign MoU to Foster Relationship, Fight Piracy
As part of efforts to strengthen existing relationship with its stakeholders, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS).
The MOU, with a three year renewable term, is aimed at solidifying existing relationship, redefining common grounds for collaboration in the fight against piracy and developing capacity for Officers of the NCS manning the borders across the country.
Speaking at the event held at the Custom Head Office, Abuja, Mr. Afam Ezekude, Director-General Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), expressed optimism that the MoU will put in place measures that will check incidences of piracy at all entry points of the country.
The DG noted that it was imperative to formalise the relationship between the two organisations as against the existing loose arrangement, adding that it is also aimed at blocking all possible entry points for pirated works.
Appreciating the efforts of the NCS over the years, he said a total of 28 Containers containing several units of pirated Copyright protected works were seized by the collaborative efforts of the NCS.
Mr. Ezekude, while warning pirates and their accomplices to desist from the heinous crime, assured that NCC is now more than ever set to intercept copyright pirated goods and prosecute pirates as the Commission is looking forward to a more robust relationship with NCS.
In his remark, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), Comptroller-General of Customs, noted that the event marks the beginning of a solid cooperation between both organisations and assured that the NCS will continue to support the Commission in executing its mandate.
While also expressing optimism that the collaboration will further reduce the incidence of piracy across the country, the Comptroller-General laments that piracy negatively affects right owners, the economy of the country and deprive genuine investors of returns on investment.
He called on all to respect the Law and desist from all forms of criminality. “We can survive doing the right thing, we can survive aligning ourselves with the Laws of Nigeria” he stressed.
The High point of the event was the actual signing of the MoU by the Comptroller-General, NCS and DG, NCC. The event was attended by Management team from both Organisations.
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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