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From Best Graduating Student to AMVCA Winner: Segun Samuel Ogundeyi’s Next Chapter at the New York Film Academy

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There was a time when the path for young African filmmakers was predictable: assist on sets for years, wait for a break, hope for funding, and gradually earn visibility. Today, that path is changing, and Segun Samuel Ogundeyi represents a new version of what early-career success can look like.

In 2023, he graduated as Best Student from the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF). In 2024, he stood on the winners’ list at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Her Dark Past, the feature film he co-directed. Now, he is preparing for advanced studies at the New York Film Academy in Florence, sponsored by MTF.

The scholarship, which is part of MTF’s strategic partnership with the New York Film Academy, is a collaboration designed to build bridges between Nollywood and Hollywood while creating meaningful global connections for African filmmakers. It is one of the clearer examples of how training institutions are now building international pathways into their programmes, not as afterthoughts but as a core strategy.

But beyond the milestones, his journey reflects three shifts shaping African cinema today: versatility, ownership, and global positioning.

1. The Rise of the Multi-Skilled Filmmaker

Ogundeyi did not leave film school boxed into a single identity. Since graduation, he has worked across directing and cinematography, co-directing a feature, shooting short films like Threshold, and serving as cinematographer on Transparent Boy, currently in post-production.

This kind of fluidity is becoming more valuable in Africa’s evolving film ecosystem. Budgets are tight, teams are lean, and filmmakers who understand multiple departments often move faster and make stronger creative decisions. Rather than limiting himself to one lane, Ogundeyi built competence across disciplines, a move that has expanded his opportunities.

2. From Collaboration to Company

Another notable development is his transition from graduate to entrepreneur. In 2024, he co-founded NINE NINE Productions Limited with a fellow MTF alumnus. It’s a step that signals more than ambition; it reflects a broader trend of young African creatives formalising their collaborations into structured businesses.

Instead of waiting to be hired, this generation is building platforms, producing independent projects, and positioning themselves as content owners. For Ogundeyi, projects like Threshold, which secured international festival selections, demonstrate how early-career filmmakers are combining artistic ambition with strategic distribution.

3. Local Roots, Global Exposure

His admission into the New York Film Academy’s Florence campus, fully funded by MultiChoice Talent Factory, is not a departure from African storytelling. Rather, it highlights the strength of MTF’s partnership with NYFA, which is designed to expand international exposure for African filmmakers while strengthening industry links between Nollywood and Hollywood.

The collaboration reflects a broader vision: equip African creatives with world-class training while keeping their storytelling perspectives rooted in local realities. For Ogundeyi, the opportunity provides access to new techniques, wider networks and global industry insight at a relatively early stage in his career.

Mentorship has also played a critical role in shaping his trajectory. During his time at MTF, Ogundeyi was guided by established figures including Tunde Kelani, Ikechukwu Obiaya, Linus Abraham and Jess Castellote of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. That combination of structured training and active industry mentorship helped build a foundation strong enough to compete beyond national borders.

A Career Still in Motion

It is easy to focus on the highlights, Best Graduating Student, AMVCA winner, and international film school admission. But what stands out more is the pattern: consistent output, cross-functional growth, and deliberate career building within two years of graduation.

Ogundeyi’s story is not just about individual achievement. It signals how the African film industry is evolving, with clearer training pathways, stronger award platforms, expanding festival circuits, and young filmmakers who see no contradiction between being local and being global.

With the backing of MultiChoice Talent Factory’s global training pipeline and its partnership-driven bridge between Nollywood and Hollywood, Ogundeyi’s next phase in Florence represents more than personal progress. It reflects a growing ecosystem intentionally preparing African filmmakers for international relevance.

If this is what the first two years after graduation can look like, the next decade of African cinema may well be defined by filmmakers who are trained, versatile, business-minded, and internationally connected, yet firmly committed to telling stories rooted in their own realities.

Segun Samuel Ogundeyi is one of them.

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Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Fiona Ahmed Ahimie Launches LEADHER Mentorship Session to Inspire the Next Generation of Female leaders

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Lagos, Nigeria – June 2026 – As part of activities leading up to her investiture as the 14th President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the first female President in the Institute’s history, Dr. Fiona Ahmed Ahimie, Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, hosted the inaugural LeadHER Mentorship Session on Thursday, June 18, 2026.The session, themed “Leading with Purpose, Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy,” brought together emerging female professionals and aspiring leaders from across various industries for an engaging afternoon of mentorship, learning, and empowerment.The LeadHER Mentorship Session was designed to provide participants with practical insights into leadership, career advancement, personal development, and navigating challenges in the traditionally male-dominated sectors. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, attendees gained valuable perspectives on building successful careers while creating lasting impact within their organizations and communities.Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahimie noted that leadership is not merely about achieving personal success but about creating pathways for others to thrive.”Throughout my professional journey, I have benefited from the guidance, support, and encouragement of remarkable mentors. The LeadHER Mentorship Session is an opportunity to pay that forward by equipping and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue excellence, embrace leadership opportunities, and break barriers with confidence,” she said.The mentorship session forms part of a broader commitment to advancing female participation and leadership within Nigeria’s financial services industry and the wider corporate ecosystem. It also reflects Dr. Ahimie’s longstanding dedication to talent development, professional excellence, and inclusive leadership.The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, networking, and knowledge sharing.Dr. Ahimie’s investiture as President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers marks a historic milestone for the Institute and the Nigerian capital market, underscoring the growing role of women in shaping the future of the financial services industry.

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Insecurity: Governor Dauda Lawal Commends Troops for Recovering Ammunitions, Rustled Cattle

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Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.”The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.”This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.”The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.”My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Payment of Allowance to NYSC Members Serving in Zamfara

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The Zamfara State Government is pleased to announce that His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the payment of allowances/stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state. The approval reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of corps members who are contributing to the development of various sectors across Zamfara State.

The approval covers corps members from Batch A Stream I and II up to Batch C Stream I and II. Through this gesture, the government recognizes and appreciates the patriotism, dedication, and selfless service being rendered by the young graduates in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other areas critical to the growth and progress of the state.

Governor Dauda Lawal has directed the Office of the Accountant General to put in place all necessary arrangements to facilitate the implementation of the approval. The government is committed to ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly and in accordance with established procedures.

The Zamfara State Government remains grateful to the NYSC members for choosing to serve in the state and for their invaluable contributions to community development.

The administration will continue to prioritize initiatives aimed at supporting corps members and creating an enabling environment that will allow them to discharge their national responsibilities effectively.

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