Broadcasting
Reps say NTA, Others can Leverage on NigComSat for Digital Broadcasting
Bubar Jubrin, House Committee chairman, Information & National Orientation, has said that Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) are in position to leverage the Nigerian Communication Satellite (NigComSat) facilities in their ongoing efforts to achieve digitalization in 2015.
Jubril who expressed satisfaction with the ingenuity of local engineers at the place said it would be regrettable and amount to a colossal waste if all the facility in NigComsat are not utilized by Nigerians, especially government agencies.
As a nation, he said that Nigeria should be proud to do things in her own terms and faith, instead of outsourcing technologies that could be found locally, which encourages capital flight.
“It will be regrettable and monumental waste if all these facilities that are in place are not used. Apart from the social and security implications, as a nation, Nigerians should be proud to do things in their own terms and faith instead of outsourcing these things and encourage capital flight.
‘‘For us, government ministries, departments and agencies like NTA, VON, NBC are in position to utilize what we have been able to acquire here, particularly the digitalization scheme that is now ongoing, which is hoped to be achieved in 2015,’’ he said.
While pledging to partner with the agency, the House Chairman further promised to create a synergy between the agency and other government MDAs to enable Nigeria achieve its digital plan by 2015.
“We are indeed impressed with what we have seen here and we are going to do what is in our capacity to make sure that this agency succeeds. We will partner with this agency and engage other concerned MDAs to see how you can come together and achieve the digital objective target in 2015,’’ he added.
In terms of legislation, he said that the committee would be able to partner with NigComsat and see what happen in other jurisdictions, so that they will be able to put together a legislation to make the agency more viable.
Earlier in his address, Mr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, managing Director of NigComsat, said the issue of national satellite has strategic importance on the economic growth.
“Our plead is to help us so that relevant institution like NTA can come on board and also for us to be part of analog to digital migration policy.
“If we are part of this national assignment, it is a responsibility that we must deliver adequately. We already have a dead-end that can take 1,000 channels but we have a facility for 100 channels because to add additional channels is just to get more license available.
“The whole idea is to enhance the gross domestic product, GDP of the nation by making services local, so that Nigeria will not be paying for the new era of broadcasting rather than going outside.
He explained that the facilities when properly utilized, could offer millions of jobs to unemployed youths.
“If these facilities are utilized, apart from intensifying, justifying the investment of government in the satellite, we can also use these facilities enhance our GDP, create more jobs and wealth for our people and also have control of what actually goes out from the broadcasting industry,’’ he added.
While recommending the Indian style of authorizing digital satellite, Jubril further called for a legislation force that would give force to the implementation.
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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