Broadcasting
Nigerian Pop Legend, Asa Headlines Nigerian Idol 5 Grand Finale

Nigerian international recording artiste, Asa, real name, Bukola Elemide will be the main act this weekend when she takes to the stage to offer top-quality entertainment at the grand finale of the season five of the Nigerian Idol reality Show.
The France-based pop legend will be leading other acts in separate performances to draw the curtains close on the fifth season of the leading music reality show.
The other performers on the day include the top 12 finalists and the celebrity Judges, the trio of Dede Mabiaku, an afro beat legend, R’n’B crooner, Darey ‘Art’ Alade and Jazz sensation, Yinka Davies, all of whom will be bringing to the table some of the hits that brought them to limelight as either performing or recording artistes.
Speaking about this, Ugochi Pedro, executive producer, Optima Media Group (OMG), licence holders for Nigerian Idol, said it is a reflection of the brand’s sustained connection with the millions of individuals and families as the leading music reality show.
“Besides being a bespoke platform which budding music talents can maximize for stardom, Nigerian Idol offers the type of entertainment that resonates with the entertainment needs of the teeming millions of individuals and families that follow. Asa is well-respected for what she has done for herself and the country using music. There is no doubt these young talents look up to people like her. This is why we are glad about the fact she will be part of our history-making team this year,” she said.
It would be recalled that Asa, in April this year, released the video of ‘Eyo’, a hit song from her latest studio album, Bed of Stone.
Asa is reputed for her originality, strong vocal power and creating emotional connections since she stormed the music scene in 2007 with her breakthrough singles, Jailer and Fire on The Mountain. She has gone on to produce time and again timeless hit songs among which include, Be My Man, Why Can’t We Be, The Way I Feel, Ba Mi Dele, Dead Again and Eyo. To her credit, she has three albums, Asa, Beautiful Imperfection and Bed of Stone which was released late 2014.
Meanwhile, all is now set for the emergence of the winner of this season’s edition of the Show. The two last contenders, K-Peace and Dolu, went down the wire during their last competitive performances at the weekend with both performing four songs a piece. Both beat off competitions from ten other top 12 finalists particularly the trio of Nex2, Preye and Classic Tunez, to get to the final.
The contestant with the higher number of votes from the viewing public will be crowned the winner.
The eventual winner will be rewarded with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new SUV, a recording deal worth N7.5 million with South-Africa’s Universal Music label and some high-end devices. The first runner up will also go home with N1.5 million cash reward, a Salon car and some other high end devices while the second runner-up will be a million naira richer coupled with other high-end devices.
Nigerian Idol season 5 is sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria, Payporte, Cool Fm, Tantalizers, Cadbury Nigeria, Zaron, Dabur Toothpaste, So-Klin, ORS and Ellis Suites.
Broadcasting
NIMC rolls out Pre-Enrolment Portal for seamless NIN registration

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.
Broadcasting
MultiChoice Talent Factory Calls for Entries Into Fully Funded Film Training Programme

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.
Broadcasting
Davido, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Karl Toriola, Others To Be Honoured At The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards In Lagos

Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is excited to announce the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and connection, culminating in the End of the Year Awards & Celebration on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards
This historic occasion marks the first time the world-famous Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony—traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria.
The week will feature events such as Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons, all culminating in the awards celebration.
The evening will honor the Best & Brightest of the Year, recognizing exceptional individuals and institutions whose work has advanced Global African Achievement and Black Excellence across business, government, media, culture, and technology.
Key Recognitions for 2025
– Governor of the Year & City of the Year: His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, honored alongside Lagos as City of the Year for its global leadership in culture, innovation, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
– Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, will be honoured as Minister of the Year for her contribution to the creative economy’s role in nation branding and cultural diplomacy.
– Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom
– Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, OANDO
– CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; who will deliver a keynote address, recognized for his transformative leadership and impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy.
Others include; Karl Toriola of MTN as CEO of the year, Uche Pedro of Bella Naija as Lifestyle Personality Of The Year, Ojy Okpe of Artise News as Most Influential News Anchor Of The Year, Stephanie Busari as Media Executive of the Year, Kayode Okikiolu as Pressman of the year, Davido as Artist of the year and several others.
In celebrating this year’s honorees, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, owners of Martell Cognac, who emerged as Brand Of The Year expressed deep appreciation for the brand’s continued global recognition, saying: “It’s a great reward for the team who’s delivered Martell excellently in Nigeria over the years.
“We say thank you to the teams, we say thank you to our consumers and we say thank you to MIPAD.
“Martell has a lot of promising experiences in the years to come in Nigeria and with this we invite you over to Nigeria to experience Detty December”.
The ceremony will also celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 Honorees, alongside past Nigerian honorees who were unable to attend their year of recognition in New York.
“For the first time, we’re bringing our world-famous recognition platform home to celebrate excellence within the Global Africa Family — right here in Lagos,” said Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman of MIPAD. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement uniting the best of us — connecting, collaborating, and working together to change the world.”
Event Details
📍 Lagos, Nigeria
– Friday, Dec 19 – #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition FREE
– Sunday, Dec 21 – End of Year Recognition & Award Ceremony STRICTLY BY INVITATION
🎟️ RSVP: https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad
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