Nestlé Nigeria has rounded off the 15-year anniversary celebration of its Technical Training Initiative with the graduation of 20 new trainees from the Abaji Factory Technical Training Centre. This follows the recent celebration held at its Flowergate Factory in Sagamu.The graduation reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to equipping young Nigerians with technical and vocational skills that enhance employability, strengthen industry capability, and create meaningful pathways to work.With an investment of over ₦6 billion, the programme, first established at Agbara Factory in 2011 and now present in Abaji and Flowergate, has equipped hundreds of young Nigerians with hands-on technical and vocational skills. Delivered through an intensive 18-month curriculum, the training combines classroom learning with practical experience in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, leading to the internationally recognised City & Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification.In line with its youth empowerment commitment, Nestlé Nigeria offered employment opportunities to the graduating trainees, continuing its practice of transitioning 98% of Technical Training Centre graduates into the company. At the ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, encouraged the graduates to embrace the next phase of their journey with confidence.“As you graduate today, you are stepping into an industry that depends on skill, discipline, innovation, and excellence. The skills you have gained through this programme provide a strong foundation, but your success will depend on your willingness to keep learning, adapting, and applying yourselves. Do not be discouraged by the challenges ahead. Every meaningful career is built step by step, through resilience, curiosity, and consistent performance. We are proud of what you have achieved and confident that you will make valuable contributions to Nestlé, the industry, and the country.”Reflecting on the journey of the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, which has produced 289 graduates since inception, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the programme as a strong example of Nestlé’s continued commitment to youth development, employability, and industry-led skills development. “At Nestlé, youth development is not a one-off intervention; it is a long-term commitment to building skills, expanding opportunity, and preparing young people for the future of work. The Nestlé Technical Training Centre which has grown from Agbara to Abaji and Flowergate has proven to be talent pipeline for our business and the wider manufacturing sector. Through strong partnerships with ITF, NECA, and the Swiss Embassy, we are giving trainees the exposure, confidence, and workplace readiness they need to succeed”With 10 young men and 10 young women graduating from the programme, the ceremony also highlighted the importance of inclusion in technical education. His Excellency Mr. Patrick Egloff, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, applauded the equal representation, describing it as a strong message about opportunity and the future of technical professionals.“One of the most inspiring aspects of today’s ceremony is the clear demonstration that technical excellence belongs equally to young women and young men. The equal representation we see among the graduates today is a powerful message about inclusion, opportunity, and the future of technical professionals.”The presence of industry partners, community leaders, and government representatives further underscored the collaborative approach behind the programme. Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Nestlé Nigeria in driving the continued success of the initiative. Representatives of other partners, including City & Guilds, also commended the programme and reiterated their support for strengthening technical skills development in Nigeria.Community leaders, including representatives of the traditional leadership of Abaji led by the Chief of Staff, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Youth and Education, also delivered goodwill messages. They commended Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained investment in youth empowerment, technical education, and community development.The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a key pillar of Nestlé Needs YOUth, Nestlé’s global youth initiative launched in 2013 to equip young people with the skills, experience, and opportunities needed to access meaningful employment. Globally, the initiative aims to reach 10 million young people by 2030. In Nigeria, other programmes under this umbrella include the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth, all designed to help young Nigerians build skills, access opportunities, and thrive.

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.