MultiChoice, a Canal + Company, through the MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa Academy, has celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of aspiring filmmakers from across the region, including Nigeria and Ghana, marking another milestone in developing young talent for Africa’s film and television industry.The graduation comes at a time when West Africa’s film and television sector continues to gain global recognition, driven by growing demand for authentic local stories, increased investment in African content and the rapid evolution of digital viewing platforms.A total of 20 students completed the intensive nine-month programme, delivered inpartnership with Pan-Atlantic University. The curriculum blends academic excellence with hands-on industry exposure, offering specialised training in directing, producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing.Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean, School of Media & Communication, Pan Atlantic University,noted:“This is the end of a phase, but only the beginning of your journey. You must commit tocontinuous learning, collaboration, and curiosity. The industry does not rewardcomplacency, it rewards those who are intentional about growth.”image.jpegMultiChoice Talent Factory alumni are making their mark across Africa’s entertainment industry, collaborating with leading production companies and earning recognition through the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and other prestigious platforms.The Academy’s reputation as a powerhouse of innovation was on full display this yearthrough the entrepreneurial spirit of its students. Demonstrating their readiness for the business of film, five graduates launched two independent companies during the academic year: Muri Marun Stories, a production house founded by Tolulope Akande, Opeyemi Obasa, and Dorathy Ufot; and CineX Mart Ltd, a marketing and distribution firm established by Abdulsalam Ibrahim Oladimeji and Audu Israel Yakubu.In recognition of this innovation, Muri Marun Stories Limited was announced as therecipient of the CEO’s Entrepreneurial Award, accompanied by a ₦2 million prize to support the company’s growth. CineX Mart Limited also received special recognition for its strong business potential and early industry traction.CineX Mart is already making significant industry inroads, having successfully placed the short film The Phone Call on Minflix and managing the marketing for the MTF film Trouble for Two.Individual creative excellence was equally prominent, with student Kwaku Edusei Acquah earning the Audience Choice Award at the Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival for his film. The Imperfect Plan, alongside notable projects from peers Amirat Yakub and Emmanuella Nwachukwu.Further recognising his outstanding creativity, Kwaku Edusei Acquah was awarded the Creative Innovator Award by the University for the Creative Arts, presented by Seyi Agboola, Senior International Recruitment Manager. The award comes with a £1,500 prize to support his continued development.image.jpegKemi Omotosho, CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria, said:“This graduation marks a defining moment not just for these students, but for the future of African storytelling. They are no longer learners, but part of a distinguished creative community shaping narratives across the continent. Through their work, they are already creating jobs, inspiring communities, and positioning African stories where they belong; at the centre of the global stage.”MTF’s long-term impact is best mirrored in the global success of its alumni. Most recently, the Class of 2021’s digital platform, Filmmakers Mart, received World Bank Group support to fuel a five-country expansion. Furthermore, Blessing Bulus earned the Women in Arts Impact Grant for the documentary Mi Tazi, while Ebuwa Desmond Ekunwe secured a prestigious fellowship at Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.Additionally, Alice Johnson has stepped into a key leadership role at the Goethe-Institute, coordinating Africa-Europe cultural partnerships.By investing in these young creatives, MultiChoice continues to build a sustainableecosystem that ensures African stories are told by African voices. Since its launch in 2018, the MTF has become a cornerstone of the continent’s creative economy, proving that its graduates are not just entering the industry—they are actively shaping the future of global Cinema.With this new cohort now entering the professional sphere, MultiChoice remains steadfast in its commitment to backing the next generation of West African filmmakers as they bring the region’s vibrant stories to the world stage.

Lagos, Nigeria – April 27, 2026 – Interswitch, through its flagship brands, Quickteller and Verve, has announced its sponsorship of three major award categories at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), reaffirming its continued support for the growth and global recognition of Africa’s film and television industry. Through Quickteller and Verve, the company is backing key segments of the continental awards that spotlight creative excellence. Quickteller will feature as the sponsor of the Best Music Score category, while Verve will sponsor the Best Writing in a Movie category as well as the Best Writing in a TV Series category, recognising the creative depth and storytelling craft that shape Africa’s film and television landscape. The sponsorship underscores Interswitch’s broader commitment to enabling platforms that celebrate African talent and elevate the continent. Over the years, the company has continued to support initiatives that drive cultural expression, industry visibility, and cross-sector innovation. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, noted that the collaboration reflects the company’s long-standing belief in the power of storytelling to drive connection and growth, particularly within Africa’s rapidly evolving creative ecosystem. “At Interswitch, we see the creative industry as a powerful engine for cultural expression and economic growth across Africa. Our partnership with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that amplify African voices and showcase world-class talent. We are proud to support categories that recognise the creativity and craftsmanship behind the stories that resonate with audiences across the continent and beyond,” Eromosele said. As part of its participation in this year’s awards, Interswitch will be represented by senior executives at the ceremony. The Best Music Score award will be presented by Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, while the Best Writing in a Movie award will be presented by Dr. Cherry Eromosele. Also commenting on Interswitch’s return as a sponsor of the 12th AMVCAs, the Divisional Head, Brands, Communications, Content and Storytelling, Tomijogun Ogunlesi stated:“Interswitch Group is proud to support the celebration of Africa’s storytelling brilliance. Through Quickteller and Verve’s participation as sponsors of the AMVCAs, we are playing a role in amplifying the voices of those telling our authentic African stories with passion, authenticity, and creativity. For us, the AMVCA is more than just an award show, but a powerful platform that reflects the vibrancy and vision of African creators whom we are proud to support.” Beyond the sponsorship, Interswitch will also deliver an engaging on-site brand experience across key moments of the AMVCAs. Activations are scheduled to take place during the Cultural Day celebration at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on the 8th of May and at the main awards ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on May 9, 2026. These activations will showcase the seamless capabilities of Quickteller and Verve, while creating interactive touchpoints that connect technology, lifestyle, and entertainment in a way that reflects how consumers engage with modern commerce. By combining sponsorship, executive participation, and experiential engagement, Interswitch continues to position itself at the intersection of technology and culture, supporting not just transactions, but the ecosystems that drive creativity, connection, and economic opportunities across Africa.

L-R: Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Deputy Controller of Corrections, Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Dr. Sunday Igwe; Team Lead, Human Resources and Business Partner, East & South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osayi Uwumarongie; and President, Legacy Inductees Class of 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc, Darlington Okereke; during Fidelity Bank’s donation of food and essential items to Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, in Enugu State recently.

Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to health and social welfare with the donation of food and essential items to inmates at the Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre.

The outreach was carried out by the newly inducted Legacy Class of 2026 and executed under the bank’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform known as the Fidelity Helping Hands Project (FHHP). Through the FHHP, staff identify areas of critical interventions in their immediate communities, raise funds and then receive matching financial support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.

Items donated by the Legacy class include a range of food supplies such as garri, spaghetti, noodles, biscuits, milk, and other essential consumables aimed at supporting the welfare and living conditions of inmates at the facility.

Speaking on the visit, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, described the initiative as a key component of the Bank’s culture, designed to inspire compassion and a sense of responsibility in its workforce.

“As part of our induction programme, we encourage new staff to identify meaningful ways to impact their communities. In assessing the needs of this facility, it became clear that providing food and other essentials would make an immediate difference. With over 3,000 inmates here, the daily effort required to feed and care for them is enormous. We believe that this donation will significantly support the centre’s ongoing work and contribute to improving the welfare of the inmates,” he said.

Nwagboh further emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative, noting that the bank is committed to raising socially conscious professionals. “At Fidelity Bank, we are intentional about building not just skilled employees, but responsible citizens. Initiatives like this help our staff connect with real societal needs and inspire them to make meaningful contributions beyond the workplace,” he stated.

In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections at the facility, Dr. Sunday Igwe, commended Fidelity Bank for nurturing a strong culture of social responsibility among its workforce. He described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that it would help alleviate some of the operational challenges faced by the facility.

Igwe further used the opportunity to caution Nigerians, particularly young professionals, against engaging in criminal activities such as fraud and cybercrime, emphasizing that personal decisions can have far-reaching consequences.

“People must understand that their choices determine their outcomes. We encourage everyone to stay focused and avoid actions that may bring them into conflict with the law,” he advised.

The Fidelity Helping Hands Project remains one of Fidelity Bank’s key CSR initiatives, enabling employee-led contributions that drive meaningful impact through inclusive development across Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.