Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN) recently convened the 4th Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA), bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the nation’s burgeoning creative sector.

The two-day event, which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, focused on the critical theme of ‘Sustainable Content Creation in a Fragmented Media Space.’

NEMCEA, an annual initiative launched in 2022 by EMCOAN-the umbrella body for CEOs of media production companies-serves as Nigeria’s premier content marketplace.

The 2025 edition featured a robust Content Market/Exhibition, an insightful Conference/Master Class, and an industry awards ceremony.

EMCOAN President, Adeniji Omirin, welcomed guests to the 2025 edition, while underscoring NEMCEA’s role as a marketplace of ideas, a hub for collaboration, and a celebration of excellence.

He highlighted the reality of today’s media landscape, where audiences are dispersed across numerous platforms, yet the demand for high-quality local content remains consistently strong. Omirin stressed that the industry’s collective task is to find innovative ways to create, distribute, and monetize content sustainably.

Reflecting EMCOAN’s forward-thinking approach, the event included an AI Master Class. Omirin explained that this addition was essential to ensure the Nigerian industry keeps pace with global digital transformation while also fostering a crucial discussion around the ethical standards that must guide the use of artificial intelligence in content creation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Malagi, represented by Voice of Nigeria DG Jibrin Baba Ndache, commended the organizers for their commitment to professional standards and cultural preservation.

He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the media sector-including funding, intellectual property protection, and digital transition-but reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for content creators and shaping Nigeria’s positive global narrative.

NEMCEA’s Project Director, Alayande Stephen, reinforced the timely relevance of the event’s theme, noting that while fragmentation presents challenges, it offers a monumental opportunity for those who can adapt, innovate, and create content that truly connects.

Alayande also emphasized that NEMCEA is the definitive platform for showcasing this spirit of resilience and innovation.A highlight of the conference was the address by former Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

He provided compelling statistics illustrating the rapid shift in audience consumption-from the decline of linear TV to the explosion of online video, which now commands about 32% of total advertising spend. Mohammed stressed that content released solely on traditional terrestrial platforms is missing a significant portion of its potential audience.

Nigerian-born boxing sensation Moses Itauma has hinted of plans to revive grassroots boxing, as part of efforts to contribute his own quota to the development of the sport in the country.

He spoke at a press conference, saying the forthcoming Bet9ja’s flagship boxing event in Lagos, would see the fans getting a closer glimpse of charisma and vision of youthful pugilists.

Itauma, a Goodwill Ambassador to Bet9ja, whose visit coincided with the Nigeria 65th Independence Day celebration, arrived to a hero’s welcome in company of his managers and Bet9ja officials.

The visit which signposts a strong partnership with Bet9ja is expected to breathe new life into grassroots boxing in Nigeria, including the renovation and reopening of some Boxing Facilities backed by the Bet9ja Foundation in line with vision and objectives of the foundation.

The project promises aspiring Nigerian boxers access to modern facilities, mentorship, and pathways to the global stage.

An elated Itauma, who said it was a pleasant homecoming for him since his last visit in 2010, shared exciting moments touching base in his fatherland.

‘At the airport yesterday (Tuesday), a security guard asked if my belts were really mine. When I told her yes, and that my father is Nigerian, she said she was proud of me – even without knowing half of my full story. That moment reminded me of how powerful it is to be here, to feel this connection.’

The 20-year-old boxing sensation added: ‘Alongside Bet9ja Foundation, we will unveil a series of programs in the coming days. One of the immediate steps is to connect with grassroots talents at the boxing facilities which we plan to renovate and reopen.

Read Also:

‘This is more than just infrastructure – it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation.’

Interestingly, Bet9ja hopes to maximise Itauma’s visit optimally according to Omene Osuya, Senior Marketing Manager of Bet9ja, who holds the view and very strongly too that ‘Moses represents the future of boxing. His dominance in the ring, matched with his charisma outside of it, makes him a generational athlete. His presence here is not just about Independence celebrations; it signals the dawn of a new era for Nigerian boxing.’

Born in 2005 to a Nigerian father and Slovakian mother, Moses Itauma has risen with meteoric speed through the heavyweight ranks.

The Akwa Ibom-born athlete, who has had 11 Kos in 13 fights and currently holds the WBO Intercontinental title, the WBA International and Commonwealth titles, believes the world is yet to get the best of him.

Actor Yul Edochie has expressed concerns over the growing number of children who cannot speak their native languages, describing the trend as a ‘failure that must be corrected.’

Edochie made the remarks in a post on his official Facebook page, where he particularly addressed Igbo parents, lamenting that many children of Igbo heritage today are unable to communicate fluently in the language, blaming it on neglect by their families.

‘Many of us who are Igbos, our children cannot speak Igbo. It’s a failure on our part that must be corrected moving forward,’ he wrote

His remarks have sparked fresh debate on social media, with some agreeing on the need to preserve indigenous languages, while others pointed to the dominance of English in schools and society as a major challenge.

The actor had also urged Igbos to embrace Omenaani (traditional customs) and described ancestors as guardian angels, stressing the importance of returning to cultural roots.

Nigeria will select its next space representative through an expanded democratic astronaut selection process, launched yesterday by the Space Exploration Research Agency (SERA).

The initiative promotes community-selected space representation for Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand, with citizens voting for their representatives through a blockchain-powered platform.

The program transforms space access from an exclusive institutional selection to one that involves public participation. Unlike traditional astronaut programs requiring military backgrounds or advanced degrees, SERA’s Mission Control platform on Telegram enables anyone from partner nations to apply and compete for community support.

‘After the success of SERA’s inaugural space flight in 2022, were scaling democratic space access to five nations simultaneously, plus a global seat,’ said Joshua Skurla, SERA co-founder. Nigeria’s seat means someone from any background can represent their nation in space based on community choice.

The approach builds on SERA’s demonstrated success in sending Victor Hespanha, selected from the SERA community, to become South America’s first civilian astronaut on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. That mission validated both the selection process and global appetite for community participation in space exploration. For Nigeria, this represents a historic opportunity to build on the country’s recent achievements in space.

Director, Media and Corporate Communications at National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Felix Ale, in a statement, explained that while Nigeria has pursued space exploration through its NASRDA and witnessed Chief Owolabi Salis’s self-funded Blue Origin flight, SERA offers the first community-selected civilian astronaut pathway. This partnership aligns with our vision of expanding Nigeria’s space presence beyond satellites to human spaceflight,’ Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, said. SERA’s democratic approach ensures Nigerian representation reflects our diverse population’s aspirations.

Dr. Anne Agi, President of Learnspace Foundation, which facilitated the partnership between SERA and NASRDA, emphasized the broader mission. ‘We’re building bridges between communities, institutions, and industry to ensure Nigeria’s journey to human spaceflight is not only historic but inclusive and connected to the global movement for shared exploration.’

The selection process operates through SERA Mission Control, a Telegram mini-app built on TON Blockchain for transparent voting. Candidates complete challenges to earn SpaceDust points and compete for their nation’s guaranteed seat. The blockchain infrastructure prevents manipulation while enabling global participation through the accessible Telegram platform.

‘We’re opening space to people who never imagined it possible,’ said Sam Hutchison, SERA co-founder. A teacher in Abuja or a content creator in Lagos can now compete for Nigeria’s space seat through community engagement, not just academic credentials.’

Six seats are reserved for the upcoming Blue Origin mission-five allocated to partner nations, with a sixth open to citizens from any country. The programme includes a Science Platform where communities can submit and vote on experiments, creating decentralized research opportunities.

SERA addresses the representation gap in space exploration. While around 800 people have traveled to space since 1961, none from Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Thailand, or most developing nations have flown as community-selected civilian astronauts despite representing billions of global citizens.

‘SERA Mission Control represents space exploration reimagined for social media users,’ said Max Crown, CEO of TON Foundation. By launching on TON within Telegram, SERA transforms space travel from a distant concept into an interactive, community-driven experience.’

The platform represents one of the most ambitious consumer applications built on TON Blockchain, showcasing practical Web3 applications beyond financial uses. Transparent voting addresses fairness concerns while gamified engagement drives sustained participation.

Applications open immediately through the SERA Mission Control Telegram app, with voting and selection timelines to be announced. Selected astronauts will undergo standard Blue Origin safety training before their spaceflight missions.

A former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has been laid to rest in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Arase was buried in a private ceremony attended by family members and close associates, following a funeral mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church.

Delivering the homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to live in ways that prepare them for eternal life, stressing that ‘people want to go everywhere on earth but refuse to go to the House of God.’

He also expressed concern over the reluctance of some individuals to contribute to the work of God, describing it as a reflection of misplaced priorities.

According to him, ‘Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily, powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

‘We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

‘Sometimes we go everywhere, but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want to come to the House of God.

‘Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see a soaring crime rate, yet many police officers are exemplary, hardworking.

‘We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.’

Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the Nation.

‘Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him is great and a good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spread love everywhere he went.’

Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe, Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

The set-man of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has lauded the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme as a step towards bolstering education.

Speaking in Abeokuta on Nigeria’s 65th Independence, Achudume described the initiative as a ‘right step’ that holds promise for widening access to tertiary education.

‘This move by Federal Government is poised to make a difference in supporting learners,’ he said.

Achudume underscored the necessity of shielding such a programme from political manoeuvring, noting empowerment efforts often fall short due to politicisation.

‘When government support meant for beneficiaries like market women doesn’t reach them because of political games, it undermines progress,’ he cautioned.

In his assessment of Nigeria’s developmental landscape, Apostle Achudume pointed to contrasts between the nation’s global diaspora achievements and domestic hurdles.

‘Nigerians abroad are cutting-edge contributors in healthcare, tech, and academia, showcasing their capability. Domestically, however, we grapple with infrastructural deficits and leadership gaps hindering performance.’

The cleric decried hardship affecting Nigerians and criticised vote-buying during polls involving petty hand-outs.

‘Nigerians deserve leaders who grasp their daily struggles – we need grassroots leadership feeling the pulse of the common man,’ Apostle Achudume emphasized.

Advocating for conducive frameworks, he stressed that Nigeria requires ecosystems nurturing business growth and intellectual pursuits.

‘Nigeria at 65 has traversed a path – there’s potential for far greater strides with right stewardship,’ Achudume noted.

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has accused the reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) local government executives of attempting to induce workers to resume duties despite ongoing council leadership disputes.

NULGE President Nathaniel Ogungbagbe, speaking on Friday at the Ministry of Local Government, Abere, insisted that no worker would resume on Monday until all legal issues surrounding the control tussle between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are resolved.

The Nation recalls that following the reinstatement of the APC executives, the FG withheld allocations since February 2025, releasing them only in September to council accounts managed by the APC chairmen. This prompted a faction of workers to vow to resume duties.

Ogungbagbe, however, alleged that the move is an APC strategy to destabilise their struggle and disrupt peace in the state. He added that the faction’s leader, Comrade Adekunle Adedayo, was disgruntled after losing a union presidential election in March.

He boasted that ‘I can tell you for a fact that our members will not resume their duty post on Monday. Any worker who resumes, APC, induced them to do so.

‘Governor Ademola Adeleke is performing excellently well for all civil servants and pensioners in the State. Despite these, the bunch of integrates are hell-bent on destroying the peace.

‘We are appealing to all educative and well-informed esteemed members not to harken to the call to resume duty. We are not going to force anyone not to join them, but I am sure that our members won’t join the resumption.’

The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), a platform for unlocking impact capital, has unveiled a blueprint to drive gender equity and social inclusion, aiming to mobilise a cumulative $8 billion in inclusive capital over the next decade.

The ‘Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap 2025-2035’ was officially launched at the third Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS) in Lagos, themed ‘Investing in Equity: Advancing Gender-Led Solutions for Inclusive Development.’

Developed in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, the 10-year strategic plan seeks to embed inclusive investment practices deeply within the Nigerian economy. The GESI Roadmap sets clear, data-driven targets, including the launch of 40 inclusive financial products for women, youth, and People with Disabilities (PwDs); the integration of GESI principles by 90% of General Partners; and the mobilization of $1.5 billion in domestic capital pools. Furthermore, it aims for the enactment of 20 new policy and regulatory instruments to support this transformative agenda.

The launch introduced the Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035 campaign, a call to action designed to galvanize governments, capital providers, and financial intermediaries toward achieving these ambitious goals. ‘This GESI Roadmap is not just a plan; it’s a blueprint for a significant shift in Nigeria’s economy. The scale of the targets underscores our profound commitment to a future where no one is left behind. This incredibly exciting moment sets a powerful, decade-long course to democratize capital and transform our investment landscape for women, youth, and People with Disabilities (PwDs),’ the Chief Executive,the Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover stated. She maintained that the urgency for the initiative is underscored by recent data highlighting significant financing gaps. According to PwC’s Head of ESG, Sustainability and Climate Change, Marilyn Obaisa-Osula,a study found that ‘between 2020 and 2024, only 20 percent of venture capital funding was received by female-led startups in Nigeria.’ She said the GESI Roadmap seeks to directly address this imbalance.

In her keynote address, the Chief Executive, 2X Global, a global industry body for gender lens investing, Jessica Espinoza, cited a World Economic Forum study which noted that ‘advancing women’s employment could add $12 trillion to global gross domestic product (GDP).’ She also referenced research from the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and Boston Consulting Group, which estimated that global GDP could increase by as much as $5 trillion if women participated in entrepreneurship at the same rate as men. ‘Progress is strategic, not accidental, which is why the GESI roadmap is a critical blueprint for Nigeria’s future,’ Espinoza stressed.

Echoing this sentiment, the Sarkin Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II CON, called for a new national policy to significantly increase the representation of women on boards and in the management of public companies. ‘This will ensure equity and give a voice to redirect policies formation as they affect women,’ he stated, arguing that female underrepresentation ‘hinders progress and limits the nation’s ability to tap into its full potential.’

Chairman of the Impact Investors Foundation, Frank Aigbogun, emphasised the Summit’s transition from advocacy to action. ‘Building on those foundations of policy advocacy and innovative models, we now stand at a crucial turning point.This year’s theme signals our collective resolve to move decisively from aspiration to accountability. Today is truly historic because we are not simply holding another summit; we are launching the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap,’ he said.

He continued, ‘The targets we have set underscore the urgency of this challenge and the scale of our ambition: we aim to mobilize $8 billion in cumulative gender-inclusive capital, with $1.5 billion coming directly from domestic capital pools, and achieve a 90% integration of GESI principles among general partners. This framework is our commitment to ensure that capital is not exclusive, but truly inclusive.’

In a practical step to drive immediate investment, the summit included a dedicated ‘deal room,’ where investment-ready, women-led and women-owned businesses directly connected with capital providers, including impact investors and fund managers.

The GESI Roadmap was developed with vital support from distinguished institutions and organisations, including PwC Nigeria, GIZ, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund. The launch reaffirms the Impact Investors Foundation’s dedication to establishing actionable interventions that build a gender-inclusive economy, driving both prosperity and social impact in Nigeria.

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to maintain the status quo in the ongoing legal dispute over the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy.

The order was given Friday in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, against the IGP and the NPF.

NBA Publicity Secretary Bridget Edokwe said the court specifically directed the police to respect judicial processes and refrain from any action that could undermine the pending case.

Nigeria’s creative scene witnessed a landmark moment on October 1 as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially inaugurated the newly refurbished National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, during the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The event was a grand convergence of Nigeria’s political, financial, and cultural elite, as the curtains rose on an entertainment hub set to reshape the nation’s creative economy.

A vision of cultural renewal

Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu underscored the symbolic importance of rechristening the iconic building after Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature.

‘You are one of the greatest assets of the world, the continent, and the country,’ the President said, addressing Professor Wole Soyinka directly. ‘It couldn’t have been anything else. So I say it has to be Wole Soyinka Center. This has broken the monotony of military marching parades. Today is an evening well spent.’ The President also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to believe in their country and change the narrative about the nation:

‘Stop talking about Nigeria in the negative tone. We are a country of proud people. If you had a bad dream, forget it. This country will succeed. Please, lift Nigeria. Believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,’ he urged.

He pledged to contribute personally to an endowment fund to ensure the Centre remains vibrant:

‘It’s not a bad thing for us to use this opportunity to create jobs, maintenance, accessibility, and commitment. This place will not go derelict again.’

Lagos reclaims creative heartbeat

For Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the reopening marked more than the restoration of a building, it was the revival of a national icon with deep ties to Lagos’ cultural history.

‘We gather not only to witness the commissioning of a renovated edifice or to celebrate the rebirth of a national icon,’ Sanwo-Olu declared. ‘This landmark is more than concrete and steel. It is the foundation upon which identity, unity, and progress are built.’

He recalled the theatre’s pivotal role in FESTAC ’77, when Lagos hosted one of the most iconic gatherings of Black and African artists from across the world.

‘FESTAC 77 gave us the National Theatre, and the National Theatre in turn gave us FESTAC 77,’ he said. ‘That spirit lives here today.

The Governor noted Lagos State’s contribution to the renovation project, including a dedicated Blue Line Metro stop and additional land to develop a ‘world-class creative hub’ around the Centre.

Public-Private Partnership as a Creative Catalyst

Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the project as proof of what can happen when the public and private sectors align behind a shared vision.

‘What began as an ambitious vision to reimagine an aging monument as a world-class creative hub has today become a stunning reality,’ Cardoso said.

He noted that the Bankers’ Committee committed approximately N68 billion to the project, not merely as corporate social responsibility but as a ‘deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future.’

‘This project stands as proof that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve,’ he added.

Cardoso also lauded President Tinubu’s role in transforming the renovation into a ‘symbol of national renewal’ by directing that the Centre be ready for this Independence Day celebration.

Wole Soyinka’s mixed feelings and lasting legacy

In a moving speech laced with humour and candour, Professor Wole Soyinka reflected on his initial reluctance to have his name attached to a public monument, having often criticized such practices in the past.

‘I accepted this honour with mixed feelings,’ Soyinka admitted. ‘I’m notorious for having criticised so many appropriations of public monuments by past leaders. By the time I thought it over again, no, I mustn’t forget. somebody has to carry the can.’

He also recalled the theatre’s decrepit state years earlier and how he once jokingly advised Lagos officials to ‘plant bombs and blow it up’ because it was ‘irredeemable.’

‘These bankers have got together to make me eat my words. If eating one’s words produces a morsel like this, then it’s a very tasty set of words,’ he quipped to applause.

Soyinka ended on a heartfelt note, thanking all involved in the project:

‘This building owes me. but today, I thank you for doing what I considered impossible. This Centre will inspire generations of artists to follow the example of truth, courage, and creativity.’

A new era for Nigerian creativity

With world-class audio-visual technology, upgraded performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, an African literature library, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line Rail, the Wole Soyinka Centre positions itself as a premier destination for global-standard performances and cultural events.

Mrs. Tola Akerele, the National Theatre’s General Manager/CEO, described the reopening as ‘a foundation for building a globally competitive creative economy’ and emphasized the need for systems and programs to transform the facility into ‘sustainable opportunity’ for young creatives.

‘When you build capacity in the creative sector, you create jobs, empower young people, and position Nigeria to compete globally,’ she said.

As Nigeria looks to diversify its economy, this revitalized landmark stands as both a tribute to the past and a bold bet on the future, a stage not just for performances, but for a national narrative of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride.