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Africa Magic invested trust in me as a rookie producer – Femi Odugbemi

Published

3 years ago

November 22, 2023

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improved professionally since the coming of Africa Magic, you’ll understand the impact.Let’s talk about the discovery and nurturing of talents. What is the contribution of Africa Magic, especially as you were a director of MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF)?

Africa Magic has done a lot to provide platforms for performers, especially in front of the camera. Many of the stars, the actors that we all know today, were created on Africa Magic channels programming. I’ll start with Tinsel. Almost everyone who started in the first season of Tinsel is now a big star in Nigeria. They were unknown at the time, and daily exposure through the soap opera created a huge community of stars. Africa Magic has commissioned so many films that not a single person of significance in this industry has not directly received a paycheck from that platform.That’s why it was so important when the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative was introduced. It allowed us to look at the next generation and provide formal training opportunities. The difference between the training they receive at the MultiChoice Talent Factory and what they would get in a typical school is that only MultiChoice has access to all these shows: drama, soap opera, telenovela, Big Brother, sports shows, music shows, OB vans, modern broadcasting equipment, and uplink technology.The students that come out of the MultiChoice Talent Factory are not only well-versed in theory but have been immersed in the process. We are creating a generation of filmmakers and storytellers who will take everything to another level, not just in broadcasting but also in filmmaking, performance, and addressing the questions technology will pose. We are about to enter an era of immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, which will become storytelling tools. Initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory are essential to answering the challenges of the future. I am thrilled that MultiChoice had the foresight to see 20 years into the future and prepare the professionals of 2030 and 2040. That’s what the MultiChoice Talent Factory is about.Back in the 2000s, I was one of those who benefited from something called ‘New Direction.’ It was the first film opportunity for a young filmmaker to create a film. That opportunity gave me my start in my career. This makes me commit myself to paying it forward. There is a way in which MultiChoice and the Africa Magic channels have been part of the success stories of so many generations of our filmmakers, and I am excited to have benefited from it. Talking about your personal experience, can you delve a bit into it? What was your experience with the first story you were commissioned for on Africa Magic?New Direction was a series that MultiChoice did across Africa, looking for new voices and new directors. Everyone pitched a story. I remember famous South African producer Richard Green and MultiChoice executives came to Nigeria to oversee the pitch. I entered a film called “Mama Put,” and I was excited to be one of those selected to create my film. We made this film on 35-millimeter celluloid, which was a very expensive platform at the time. Our budget was around $100,000, which was a significant amount in 2004. You have to understand what that meant to a young filmmaker like myself. It gave me the confidence to create more. Right after, I made “Abobaku,” also on 35-millimeter. Not long after that, a few of us pitched for the daily soap, and we won with “Tinsel.” To imagine that “Tinsel” is still running today is something I am deeply grateful for.

Since then, I’ve consistently had opportunities to create new work and produce new work. I feel like I have been given the opportunity to express every part of my storytelling ambitions, build a core production team and a production company that I think is world-class. I’ve been able to give opportunities to new faces, new talents, actors, creatives, and technical people. Making these stories has been an amazing opportunity and privilege for which I will always be grateful.

Talking about the future, you spoke earlier about how MTF is nurturing talents for the future, so what do you expect of storytelling in the next few years?

I think what is clear is that Africa Magic already knows that the future is about that nexus where creativity meets technology. I think what is important is that culture of constantly innovating, that culture of constantly raising the bar in terms of technical quality in terms of storytelling, in terms of access and reach to audiences, that culture of bringing audience measurements to the table and making storytellers and creatives accountable for the stories that are telling, that culture of impacting with stories that also matter to the psychology, politics and obviously the narrative conversations going on across Africa. I think that culture is going to be the difference.

The future is just so exciting in its possibilities and the only thing that guarantees success is that the values that a platform like Africa Magic holds dear are sustained. Those are values of one: understanding the importance of the African identity, heritage and the importance of telling our stories in our language in our own ways. The rest is about how we make sure it’s done to global standards and how we make sure we continue to widen the audience.

You headed the jury for the 9th AMVCA. Can you talk about the impact of the AMVCA on the industry?

The AMVCA is often referred to as the Oscars of African storytelling. It has brought glamour, sophistication, and recognition to the African storyteller and the African story. It has rewarded excellence in storytelling and performance. The AMVCA has brought dignity to our industry and celebrated Africa. It has become a gathering point, a networking opportunity, and a recognition portal across the continent. The AMVCA incentivizes people to reach the next level in their careers. If you win an Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, your career is boosted, and your name recognition, income, and confidence are enhanced.

On a final note, what is that evergreen moment(s) on Africa Magic?

I’ve been blessed to have many moments on Africa Magic, but I think when the very first episode of “Tinsel” was aired, I remembered weeping with joy. It was not something I thought was possible because it was so hard. The learning process to make that happen was so hard. Bringing the team together was so hard, the lack of facilities was so hard. Watching that first episode really touched me because it meant a lot, not just for me but for co-producers and actors who believed in us and more than anything else, for MultiChoice and Africa Magic, who, knowing that we did not have the experience to do this, invested trust.

So yes, that will always be an iconic night for me, and it gave me a lot to be thankful for. I’ve had that same moment several times again, obviously, like the 100th-episode watch party of “Battleground.” I lost my voice because I was just so happy about the reception that the series had.

NEWS

Governor Dauda Lawal Joins President Tinubu at Historic Press Corps Dinner

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

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Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal P.hD was among the dignitaries at the maiden State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner, held Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A highlight of the evening came when Governor Lawal formally invested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, a symbolic gesture underscoring the administration’s recognition of the media’s role in governance.

Organized to bridge the gap between journalists and top government officials, the dinner celebrated excellence in presidential reporting while offering an informal platform for candid dialogue between the press and policymakers.

In his address, President Tinubu charged journalists with upholding truth, balance and responsibility in their work, describing them as indispensable partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He also reassured attendees of his government’s steadfast commitment to constitutional guarantees of press freedom and free expression.

The State House Press Corps, made up of journalists accredited to cover the presidency, hosted the historic event.

Among the prominent guests were First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and ministers overseeing Finance, Education, Health, Agriculture and Information. Also present was the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

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South African Investment Banker Richard Simanga Ngwenya Arrested in Alleged Fraud Investigation.

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

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Richard Simanga Ngwenya, a South African-based investment banker and Zimbabwean businessman known for showcasing an extravagant luxury lifestyle on social media, has been arrested in connection with an alleged fraud investigation, according to documents circulating online.The documents, which have attracted widespread attention across digital platforms, identify Ngwenya as a suspect in a case registered in Sandton and reference a South African Police Service (SAPS) case number linked to the ongoing investigation.The arrest comes just weeks after Ngwenya dominated headlines over reports that he gifted his girlfriend a luxury Bentley, a gesture that fueled conversations about his lavish spending and elevated his profile across Zimbabwean and South African social media.The latest development has shifted public attention dramatically, with social media users revisiting videos and photographs highlighting his collection of luxury vehicles, designer fashion and high-end lifestyle. Online discussions have intensified, with many questioning the source of his wealth. However, no court has made any findings regarding those claims, and the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.Ngwenya built a significant online following through displays of wealth that frequently went viral, positioning him among the region’s most talked-about young businessmen. His social media presence often featured luxury automobiles, premium real estate, international travel and extravagant gifts.The alleged fraud investigation now places the businessman under legal scrutiny, with observers closely monitoring developments as the matter progresses through South Africa’s criminal justice system.Authorities have yet to publicly disclose the full details of the allegations or the value of the alleged fraud under investigation. Further information is expected to emerge as legal proceedings continue.As of the time of publication, Ngwenya has not publicly commented on the allegations, and no plea or court finding has been reported.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Distributes 50 Subsidised Buses, Commissions Fire Trucks for Swift Emergency Response

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal P.hD has rolled out a major public welfare intervention distributing 50 subsidised buses to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and commissioning five modern fire trucks, in a move aimed at tackling transportation hurdles and strengthening emergency response across the state. The official handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Gusau, drawing leaders from the transport union, fire service officials and top government functionaries.

According to Governor Lawal, the buses are being provided under the Zamfara State Loan Scheme, a structured financing programme designed to promote economic empowerment while ensuring sustainability through cost recovery. Each bus was procured at ₦27,390,000, but the state government is absorbing 20% of that cost – amounting to ₦5,478,000 per vehicle – as a direct subsidy to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries.This means each NURTW member will repay ₦21,912,000 over a 44-month period, with repayment commencing from the date of vehicle allocation.

Crucially, the NURTW has entered into a partnership with the government to oversee the entire process, with the union responsible for identifying eligible members, supervising the use of the vehicles and ensuring strict compliance with the repayment schedule, a collaborative approach intended to minimise defaults and guarantee the scheme’s longevity.

In a parallel development, the Governor also commissioned five state-of-the-art fire trucks to reinforce the Zamfara State Fire Service, with the trucks equipped to modern standards and expected to significantly shorten response times during emergencies. Governor Lawal underscored the urgency of the investment, noting that fire outbreaks remain a persistent threat to lives and property in the state. “We are aware that fire outbreaks can destroy homes, shops and livelihoods in seconds,” he said. “These new fire trucks, equipped with modern standards, will strengthen the state fire service’s capacity to respond faster across all nooks and crannies of the State.”

He charged the Fire Service leadership to complement the equipment with rigorous personnel training, regular public fire-safety sensitisation campaigns and consistent maintenance to keep the trucks in optimal condition at all times. The Governor made it clear that all assets distributed belong to the people of Zamfara and must be treated with utmost care, directing all benefiting Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as individual beneficiaries, to submit quarterly maintenance and utilisation reports to their respective oversight offices.

He further issued a stern warning against any form of abuse, declaring that “vandalism, misuse or diversion will not be tolerated,” signalling the administration’s commitment to transparency and responsible asset management.

Governor Lawal framed the initiative as part of his broader agenda to uplift the state’s transportation sector, create economic opportunities for transport workers, and enhance public safety. By subsidising the buses, the government aims to ease the cost of commuting for residents while providing a sustainable livelihood for NURTW members, while the fire trucks are expected to reduce the devastation caused by infernos in both urban and rural communities. The combined investment reflects a multi-pronged strategy to address critical infrastructure gaps while fostering accountability and community partnership.

With the handover complete, the NURTW is expected to begin allocating the buses to qualified members in the coming days, while the Fire Service will deploy the new trucks across strategic locations in the state. The government has pledged to monitor progress closely through the quarterly reporting mechanism, with defaulters or abusers facing appropriate sanctions. This development marks one of the largest single interventions in the transport and emergency services sectors under Governor Lawal’s administration and stakeholders are watching closely to see how the scheme translates into tangible improvements for ordinary Zamfara residents.