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Broadcasting

AMVCA Names Ighodaro, Osakioduwa to Host 2014 Event

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Osas Ighodaro
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AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, in association with MultiChoice and Amstel Malta, have announced the names of the three hosts for the gala ceremony.

The event will be co-hosted by IK Osakioduwa, Osas Ighodaro and Vimbai Mutinhiri, all of whom are part of AfricaMagic’s onscreen family.

The awards will be held in Lagos on Saturday March 8 and will be screened live on DStv and GOtv to over 50 countries on the continent.

Biola Alabi, M-Net Africa’s managing director of Special Projects said, “IK and Vimbai did a tremendous job of hosting the inaugural AMVCAs. We are confident that with the addition of Osas, this dynamic team will once more keep this exciting and fast-paced live event running smoothly. With more viewer voted categories, the launch of the New Era Award and a sensational new stage, the latest edition of these awards should be bigger and better.”

Alabi also verified that TV personality Denrele Edun will be working the red carpet as only he can! With a galaxy of African film and TV stars expected to attend the glittering industry showcase, the clock is ticking in the countdown to the 2014 AMVCAs.

For Big Brother’s IK there are many reasons why the AMVCAs are successful. “Everyone in the industry takes these awards very seriously. People see them not only as transparent, but as trustworthy. The mileage the show attracts makes it a blessing to be nominated, let alone win. Also, one of my favourite categories is the Trailblazer Award, the continent’s first simultaneous look at new and developing talents. Plus, one of the things I loved last year was seeing the really glamorous outfits.”

Co-host Vimbai of StarGist agrees. “From witnessing some of the greatest contributors in African film and TV being recognized for their phenomenal work, to watching fresh faces embarking on new journeys into the industry, the evening is a reminder of how much work, passion and commitment goes into film and TV.

Plus the nominees have helped drive African film into contemporary culture and modernity in so many ways, so it will be great to see who takes the first New Era Award.”

An enthusiastic and delighted Tinsel star Osas said, “I enjoyed every moment of the AMVCA’s last year and I am very excited about this year’s show. Being in a room full of beautiful African stars celebrating amazing work and knowing it will broadcast all over Africa is nothing short of a blessing and I can’t wait. The AMVCA’s certainly exudes quality and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

In total, 29 awards in 27 categories will be awarded with the recipients of the Industry Merit Award, the New Era Award and the TrailBlazer Award also to be announced.  This year, there are 137 nominations from across 80 productions vying for awards.

Meanwhile fans who wish to vote for their favourites in the 9 viewer voted categories shouldn’t delay as voting closes on March 3.

Voting is currently open on the website www.africamagic.tv or via the mobile site on your mobile phone. Voting on the website and on the mobile site is free and you can vote once per hour. 

Fans can also vote via SMS by sending the relevant voting code to the SMS number (+2783142100415). Voting codes are available online.

SMS’s are charged as per specific network tariff. VAS rates apply. Free minutes do not apply. If voting via SMS, you can only vote 100 times per telephone number.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Navigating the Maze: Solutions for Nigeria’s Flourishing Foodtech Industry

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By Diana Tenabe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store

Nigeria’s foodtech sector holds immense promise to transform our nation’s food production, distribution, and consumption systems.

However, this burgeoning industry currently navigates a complex maze of challenges that could significantly hinder its progress. While innovation and entrepreneurial drive are abundant, a confluence of infrastructural deficits, economic headwinds, technological disparities, and logistical complexities casts a shadow on the sector’s long-term viability.

Understanding and addressing these multifaceted hurdles is paramount for foodtech companies aspiring to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security.

One of the most significant impediments to the foodtech sector’s advancement is Nigeria’s persistent infrastructural weaknesses.

The unreliable power supply, a well-known constraint for businesses nationwide, directly threatens food preservation, increasing spoilage risks and driving up operational costs for companies reliant on refrigeration and consistent processing.

Similarly, the often-deteriorated state of our road networks complicates logistics and transportation, hindering the efficient movement of goods from farms to consumers and across the supply chain.

Furthermore, limited access to clean water exacerbates operational challenges, particularly for maintaining food processing and hygiene standards. Collectively, these infrastructural shortcomings inflate operational expenses and introduce vulnerabilities throughout the food supply chain.

Economic constraints add another layer of intricacy. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates create instability in pricing and procurement, especially for businesses dealing with imported technologies or ingredients. Persistent inflation erodes consumer purchasing power and increases the cost of essential inputs, squeezing profit margins for startups.

Moreover, limited access to credit and investment capital makes it difficult for emerging foodtech companies to secure the necessary funding to invest in crucial technology, infrastructure, and expansion efforts.

This financial constraint can stifle innovation and prevent promising ventures from reaching their full potential.

The digital divide also poses a unique challenge for foodtech companies aiming to leverage online platforms and digital solutions. While mobile phone usage is widespread in Nigeria, disparities in digital literacy and access to reliable internet connectivity can restrict the widespread adoption of online food ordering and delivery services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

This necessitates creative and inclusive strategies to bridge the digital gap and reach a broader consumer base.

Inefficiencies within the supply chain represent a critical bottleneck in the Nigerian food system. Fragmented agricultural supply chains, characterised by numerous intermediaries and a lack of transparency, contribute to alarmingly high post-harvest losses.

Inadequate storage facilities and inefficient transportation infrastructure further compound these issues, leading to significant waste and price volatility.

Addressing these systemic weaknesses is crucial for ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for all Nigerians.

Navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape can also be a daunting task for foodtech businesses. The presence of multiple regulatory agencies, coupled with often bureaucratic and time-consuming processes for obtaining licenses and permits, can create significant hurdles for startups. Clear, consistent, and streamlined processes within the regulatory framework are essential to foster a more enabling environment for innovation and growth.

Building consumer trust and acceptance for new food technologies requires overcoming inherent skepticism and unfamiliarity. Concerns regarding food safety, quality, and the security of online transactions can hinder the adoption of novel food products and digital platforms.

Transparent communication, robust quality control measures, and consistent consumer engagement are vital for building confidence and fostering widespread acceptance.
Finally, a notable talent gap exists within the Nigerian foodtech ecosystem.

A shortage of professionals possessing specialised skills in food science, technology, business management, and logistics can limit the growth and innovation capacity of companies in this sector. Addressing this skills deficit through targeted training and development initiatives is crucial for long-term success.

Despite these significant challenges, promising pathways forward can be forged through innovative and context-specific approaches. Investing in localised infrastructure solutions, such as independent power generation and efficient localised logistics networks, can mitigate the impact of broader infrastructural deficiencies.

Exploring diverse funding avenues beyond traditional banking, including angel investors, government grants, crowdfunding, and revenue-based financing, can alleviate financial constraints.

Adapting to the digital divide by leveraging basic mobile technology and employing offline strategies like local agent networks can expand reach and inclusivity.

Building resilient supply chains through direct farmer relationships, investing in aggregation centres, and utilising technology for farm management offer tangible solutions to logistical inefficiencies.

Proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and advocating for clearer, more supportive policies are crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape effectively. Building consumer trust necessitates transparent sourcing practices, clear communication about product benefits and safety, and active engagement with consumer feedback.

Finally, investing in talent development through collaborations with educational institutions and in-house training programs can bridge the critical skills gap.

Foodstuff Store is emerging as a business with a clear vision to directly confront several of these challenges. We are actively developing a decentralised network of businesses supported by strategically located distribution hubs across target states.

This approach will directly address the limitations imposed by poor road networks, ensuring more localised access to our food products.

Furthermore, the establishment of regional storage facilities, including a state-of-the-art solar-powered cold storage, directly tackles infrastructural deficiencies related to food preservation and ensuring a consistent supply.

Foodstuff Store’s ambition for end-to-end management of the food supply chain, encompassing in-house production, direct sourcing, advanced storage solutions, and efficient distribution, offers a powerful solution to existing supply chain inefficiencies.

This integrated approach promises enhanced quality control, significant reductions in post-harvest losses, and a more reliable supply of both perishable and non-perishable goods for our customers.

Our aspiration to become the “Amazon for Food Products” is a clear and ambitious goal underpinned by a technology-driven approach to all aspects of our operational management.

Foodstuff Store’s vision underscores a business model strategically designed to overcome significant hurdles within the Nigerian foodtech sector, offering a beacon of potential and a pathway to a more secure and efficient food system in a challenging yet remarkably promising landscape.


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History as TVC News Unveils Nigeria’s First AI-Powered News Anchors

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TVC News has broken new ground in Nigeria’s media space with the launch of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) news presenters.

History as TVC News Unveils Nigeria’s First AI-Powered News Anchors

Rolled out in May 2025, the AI anchors will deliver news bulletins in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, reflecting the broadcaster’s commitment to technological advancement and linguistic inclusion.

The initiative is designed to enhance news delivery by supporting human journalists, not replacing them.

TVC Communications, the parent company of TVC News, described the development as a milestone in its efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into broadcast journalism.

“We are thrilled to pioneer this innovation in Nigeria’s media industry,” said Victoria Ajayi, chief executive officer, TVC Communications.

“Our AI news anchors represent a new era in news reporting, and this move underscores our dedication to using technology as a tool for growth and progress.”

Ajayi clarified that the AI-generated content will undergo thorough editorial review.

“Trained journalists and editors will assess every output to ensure it meets our standards of accuracy, balance, and credibility,” she noted.

In response to concerns about the potential misuse of AI, the organisation said it had established rigorous editorial safeguards, including watermarking and verification protocols. It also reaffirmed its adherence to the Nigerian Broadcasting Code and journalistic ethics.

With this launch, TVC News has become a trailblazer in AI-assisted journalism in Africa, setting a bold example for future media innovation across the continent.


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FXTM Academy Hosts Charity Cycling Event, Pedal for Progress

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FXTM Academy recently hosted the Pedal for Progress charity cycling event, bringing together 200 participants from cities across Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

Held on Saturday, April 19, the competition featured six race categories—Professional Male, Professional Female, Junior Male, Junior Female, Veteran Male, and Veteran Female—allowing cyclists of all skill levels to compete.

The race began at 8:00 a.m., with Juniors completing 10 laps, Veterans tackling 14 laps, and Professionals racing 20 laps, each lap spanning 2.8 kilometers.

Participants competed for significant cash prizes, with winners in the Professional categories receiving ₦800,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000, while those finishing 5th to 15th place earned ₦50,000 each. Junior and Veteran winners also received substantial rewards.

Spectators and participants praised FXTM Academy for fostering unity, sportsmanship, and talent development, with many eagerly anticipating future events.

The academy emphasized its commitment to empowering communities and promoting values such as perseverance, discipline, endurance, and continuous improvement.

FXTM Academy’s Country Representative, Kelechi Ehibudu, highlighted the academy’s dedication to blending sport, charity, and empowerment, setting a new benchmark for community-focused initiatives in Nigeria.


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