Brand
Quickteller, Verve Champion Storytelling Excellence at the 12th AMVCAs
L-R; Lateef Adedimeji, Actor; and Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, presenting the Best Writing (Movie and Series) award, sponsored by Verve, at the 12th AMVCAs which held recently in Lagos.
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) brought together the very best of African film and television in a vibrant celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cultural expression, while also highlighting the systems that help make experiences like this seamless and engaging.
As one of Africa’s most influential entertainment events, the AMVCAs once again convened the continent’s leading creatives and industry voices in Lagos, Nigeria for a weekend that spotlighted excellence, creativity, and the expanding reach of African film and television. At the heart of this year’s AMVCA activities were Quickteller and Verve, Interswitch’s flagship brands, both of which played a strategic role in enhancing engagement and elevating key moments across the event.
The brands’ involvement went beyond visibility. Quickteller and Verve sponsored three key category awards that celebrate the depth and craftsmanship behind African storytelling. Quickteller backed the Best Music Score category award, while Verve supported both Best Writing in a Movie category award and Best Writing in a TV Series category award, recognising the creative brilliance behind the music and storytelling that shape unforgettable screen experiences.
The Best Music Score category award featured an impressive lineup of nominees, including Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra for their work in ‘My Father’s Shadow’, Nissi Ogulu for ‘Cold Dishes’, and Tolu Obanro, recognised for both ‘Gingerrr’ and ‘The Party’. On the awards night, Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra emerged as the winners for their work in the movie, ‘My Father’s Shadow’, a testament to the power of music in shaping cinematic storytelling.
In the writing categories, the spotlight fell on the creative minds shaping Africa’s film and television narratives. From ‘The Herd’ and ‘Blackout’ to ‘MTV Shuga Mashariki’ and ‘The Party’, the diversity and strength of storytelling on display reflected an industry that continues to evolve in both depth and global relevance. Wale Davies took home the award for Best Writing in a Movie for his work in ‘My Father’s Shadow’, while Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, and Makgano Mamabolo won the Best Writing in a TV Series award for their work in the TV Series, ‘MTV Shuga Mashariki’, further highlighting the richness of African storytelling.
Interswitch’s support for the AMVCAs was underscored by a high-level delegation on the AMVCA stage; Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, presented the Best Writing in a Movie category award while Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, presented the Best Music Score category award.
Together, these appearances reinforced a simple but powerful message that supporting creativity means showing up, not just in name, but in presence and participation. Beyond the awards, Interswitch extended its presence across key moments of the AMVCA experience.
At the Cultural Day celebration held at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, the vibrancy of African heritage set the tone for a weekend that celebrated identity as much as achievement. This energy carried through to the main awards ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, where storytelling, style, and spectacle came together in a seamless blend of culture and entertainment.
Across both touchpoints, Interswitch delivered engaging on-site activations that connected guests with the capabilities of Quickteller and Verve. The AMVCAs are no longer just a celebration of African storytelling; they are a reflection of a growing creative economy.
For Interswitch, supporting this platform is part of a broader commitment to enabling the ecosystems where culture, creativity, and commerce intersect. Through Quickteller and Verve, the company continues to enable access, participation, and meaningful experiences across industries that shape everyday life. And at this year’s AMVCAs, both brands played a role in supporting the stories, talent, and creativity that brought the celebration to life.
Brand
Interswitch Deepens Support for Federal Revenue Collection on RevOP Platform
Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, has reinforced its role in supporting Federal Government revenue collection through its continued participation as a Payment Service Solution Provider (PSSP) on the Revenue Assurance and Optimization Platform (RevOP). The move underscores Interswitch’s ongoing contribution to strengthening public sector payment infrastructure and supporting Treasury Single Account (TSA) collections in Nigeria. It also reflects the Federal Government’s sustained push to improve transparency, enhance revenue assurance, and enable real-time visibility into collections across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Through its integration with the RevOP platform, Interswitch continues to enable secure, end-to-end processing of payments initiated via the portal. Transactions are seamlessly routed into the TSA framework, ensuring compliance with Federal Government financial regulations while supporting efficient and accountable revenue management. Leveraging its robust payment infrastructure, Interswitch facilitates multiple payment channels, including card and digital payments, delivering a seamless and reliable experience for citizens, businesses, and government agencies fulfilling their payment obligations. Speaking on the development, Muyiwa Asagba, Managing Director, INCLUSIO at Interswitch, said the company remains committed to supporting government-led financial reforms through secure and efficient payment solutions. “Interswitch is proud to continue supporting the Federal Government’s drive toward greater transparency and efficiency in public revenue management. Our role on the RevOP platform reflects our commitment to delivering secure, seamless, and compliant payment infrastructure that enables all stakeholders to meet their obligations with confidence,” he said. Interswitch’s continued role on the platform builds on its longstanding experience in supporting critical national payment infrastructure and collaborating with regulatory and financial institutions to drive digital transformation across Nigeria’s public sector. Its infrastructure is designed to ensure high transaction uptime, real-time processing, and secure data handling, all essential for effective public revenue collection. By deepening its participation on the RevOP platform, Interswitch further strengthens its position as a trusted partner within Nigeria’s evolving digital payments ecosystem, while continuing to support initiatives that promote fiscal transparency, operational efficiency, and sustainable governance across government institutions.
Brand
Nestlé Nigeria Concludes 15-Year Anniversary Celebration of its Technical Training Centre with 20 New Graduates from Abaji Factory
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.
Brand
MultiChoice strengthens West Africa’s creative future with new MultiChoice Talent Factory graduates
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.
