General News
DStv “I AM” Campaign Receives Accolades from Industry Players
Some members of the Nigerian entertainment industry have lauded DStv for the introducing the “I AM” Campaign aimed at delivering original local stories in the entertainment industry.
The company in a statement stated that “the #IAM brand local talent campaign was created to place DStv at the forefront of delivering original local stories, using the most talented performers on the continent.
“This campaign will have a three phase approach beginning with the blockbuster launch spot which showcases some of our biggest stars, followed by a 2nd phase that uses these stars to unlock the value we have in so much of our content using the #IAM theme and campaign.
“We will close the loop with a Pan African Content promo, showcasing and positioning DStv as the ultimate leader of African Content producer and provider.”
The statement further revealed that” it hopes to use the campaign to drive their storytelling, instill content discovery by reiterating the spectrum of content while highlighting the various genres, captivating storylines and incredible African talent.
“This campaign explores different stories told by different people in the desire to foster a connection, while invoking key conversations amongst customers, in this brand advert DStv showcases different genres and celebrates authentic storytelling by using some popular faces.
Iretiola Doyle, popular Nollywood actress and one of the faces of the Campaign said that it was absolutely amazing being part of the campaign.
According to her, “Initially, I got the script while here in Nigeria and like I often tell people the distance between the script and the screen is as wide as any ocean you can think of.
“Did I expect what I met? No! Because reading the words right off the script, they seemed straight forward enough but then I got to set and saw the costumes and saw the scale and I knew this was going to be a fairy-tale.
“It was hard work, pretty intense, it was one day of work, one day of rest and then you were shooting again.
“My character had a lot of work to do because that axe was real. It was intense but it was interesting and well thought out.
Speaking on what the‘I Am DStv campaign’ means to her, she said “The DStv I AM campaign in a nutshell is if you could ever capture what it means to be a creator, an actor in 60 secs that would be it.
“It visualizes the concept of being able to be anything, think anything, conceive anything. I am given the wherewithal to create.”
She noted that it is the duty of a writer to tell an authentic African story while her duty is to re-enact the character given to her.
“Telling the story is first and foremost the writer’s duty, I am an actor, I am a gun for hire, I re-enact characters that are given to me.
“If you ask me how well we have done as in industry in telling our own stories in the last several years, I’ll like to say we have done a lot, things have improved a lot.
“Everybody is proudly Nigerian; everybody is trying to tell the Nigerian story.
“There are many definitions of the Nigerian narrative as there are people seated, people tend to want to stamp their personal perspectives on things and that’s fine but we are very cosmopolitan, there is no situation happening anywhere else in the world that you would not find here, “she added.
She went on to extol Multichoice’s inclusivity in content creation, noting that they have done a fantastic job in that aspect.
Iretiola added that Multichoice’s establishment of language specific channels is responsible for the breaking of monopoly in Nigerian Nollywood industry.
In her words, “MultiChoice is a company, a business concern but when you have a company that comes into a nation, creates a platform for people to express themselves and by so doing create jobs for hundreds and thousands of people because if you understand the business of Television and movie production, you know that it takes a small village to produce anything.
“Not only that, they have gone on to establish channels that are language specific, they have taken on assignments and duties that are not theirs to bear.
“MultiChoice, I dare say is one of the main reasons why the monopoly in Nollywood is broken.
“They do not care who you are, they do not care where you come from, all they want to know is if you have talent and if you are capable of delivering on the job, anybody that says anything to the contrary is just trying to be dis-ingenious. I think they have done a fantastic job.”
Tobi Bakre, Reality TV star, speaking on the campaign, said that the young person out there should know that he or she can be anything he or she wants to be and still have a social life.
He added that the DStv “I AM” Campaign is centered on being able to be anything you want to be and whatever you want to be in life.
The Reality Star advised youths not to limit themselves in whatever they do, adding however that they should know that they have the power to be whatever that suits them.
He thank DStv for giving him the platform that enabled him switch to entertainment industry which he described as the best thing that has happened in his life.
According to him, “I wanted to switch to the entertainment industry but I couldn’t leave 4 years of banking and start going for auditions, I needed that platform and DStv granted that.
“It is one of the best things that has happened to me in my whole life, right now there are a lot of things I want to do, I have the audience for it.
“I can approach any producer or company and table my ideas, even on my own I can work on projects and have the audience for it thanks to DStv.”
Linda Ejiofor, An actress and model known for her role as Bimpe Adekoya in M-Net’s TV series Tinsel, said that the campaign means a lot for actors, musicians and everyone in the creative industry that you can be what you want to be if they put their mind to it.
She commended MultiChoice for telling authentic stories with African magic original movies, African magic Epic, Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa movie channels.
In her words, “Multichoice has done a Fantastic job, telling authentic stories.
“They started with African magic original movies, then moved on the creating channels like African magic Epic, Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.
“That way not only is the story being told, people can relate with them because they are also told in their mother tongues.”
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an electronic declaration system to streamline and enhance compliance for travelers carrying cash into or out of Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, emphasized that the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework and reinforce financial regulations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the deployment of an Electronic-Currency (E-Currency) declaration form as part of its anti-money laundering measures for travelers carrying cash into and out of Nigeria,” NAN reported. The system will require travelers carrying amounts exceeding the legal threshold to declare them before arrival or departure.
Maiwada further explained the process, stating, “We have developed a system where, even before leaving your point of origin, you can scan a QR code, access the form, fill it out, and we will be able to see it from here.”
He noted that the initiative, set for rollout soon, will enhance monitoring and facilitate information sharing with relevant authorities.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the NCS Act 2023, travelers carrying over $10,000 (about N15.4 million) or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare the funds to Customs authorities.
To boost awareness, the NCS is working with airline operators to inform travelers through onboard announcements and plans to reinstate signage at airports and border points in English and French.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to tighten financial controls following a recent case at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), where Customs officials seized $578,000 from a passenger attempting to evade currency declaration regulations.
General News
Aquaterra Energy Secures Multi-million-dollar well Intervention Contract with Intrepid Energy in Nigeria
Aquaterra Energy, a leader in offshore engineering solutions, has secured a multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract with Intrepid Energy Limited (IEL) to deliver a bespoke subsea well intervention equipment package for a project in Nigeria.
Aquaterra Energy’s turnkey well access package will enable IEL to conduct intervention operations across multiple mature oil wells in the region, supporting enhanced reservoir production.
The contract includes the supply of a complete seabed-to-surface intervention system and package, spanning from the subsea tree to surface intervention equipment.
Key components include Aquaterra Energy’s TRT tieback tooling, which provides production bore and annular access, a lightweight well pressure control system, and an ISO 13628-7 qualified open water intervention riser with an integrated tensioning system. In addition to equipment provision, Aquaterra Energy will also deliver ongoing offshore engineering support throughout the project.
The 7- 3/8” lightweight well access solution, has been specifically engineered for deployment from jack-ups and lift boats. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and operationally efficient alternative to floating vessels, reducing intervention costs while maintaining high safety and performance standards.
Andrew McDowell, Delivery Director at Aquaterra Energy comments: “Our expertise in offshore engineering allows us to develop tailored intervention solutions that address the operational challenges of subsea well access.
This system has been engineered for efficiency, ease of deployment, and safety, helping IEL optimise intervention activities across Nigeria while reducing costs. By delivering a complete, integrated package, we are simplifying complex operations and enabling operators to maximise production potential.”
Engr Seun Alonge, CEO at Intrepid Energy Limited adds: “Working with Aquaterra Energy marks a significant step forward for our intervention operations in Nigeria. Their specialised technology enhances our ability to execute intervention programmes efficiently, maximising performance across our assets.
By combining Aquaterra’s technical expertise with our deep understanding of the local operating environment, we’re confident this collaboration will enhance production outcomes and create lasting value for our operations in the region.”
The project is set to support intervention operations over multiple years, with Aquaterra Energy providing ongoing technical expertise, with a dedicated team of engineers providing ongoing service support throughout the project.
George Morrison, CEO at Aquaterra Energy: “Delivering reliable and efficient well access solutions for shallow water subsea operations is central to how we support offshore operators.
This collaboration with IEL reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge engineering solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. With West Africa playing an important role in the global energy sector, we’re proud to continue supporting its offshore industry with our expertise and innovative technologies.”
Federal government has temporarily suspended the controversial annual dues imposed on public interest enterprises by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) after fierce opposition from businesses.
Jumoke Oduwole, minister, Industry, Trade, and Investment, announced the decision during a Ministerial Consultative Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The move follows mounting pressure from private sector groups, including the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who slammed the Financial Reporting Council (Amendment) Act 2023 for burdening companies with excessive fees.
The Act mandates cumulative annual charges for non-listed entities and imposes a harsh 10% monthly penalty on unpaid dues, compounding until full payment, a provision that sparked widespread backlash.
At the meeting, major industry players like NECA, MAN, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce (NACCIMA), oil producers, and telecom operators warned that the fees would cripple businesses already struggling in a tough economy.
Oduwole clarified the suspension, stating, “The government has decided to direct the Financial Reporting Council to pause in the implementation of the new annual dues. You know that I am a lawyer, and a suspension request by the organised private sector would be in contravention of legislation duly passed by the National Assembly. A pause is an administrative process simply to review, in line with what we discussed today.”
She assured stakeholders that the halt would last no longer than 60 days, with a technical working group—including FRC officials and private sector representatives—set up to reassess the policy.
“We are a listening administration. The private sector has requested a range from three months to an indefinite suspension. We are not going to do that. So, at the most, 60 days is in my estimate. We are going to set up a technical working group comprised of the FRC and the organised private sector who have formally written in, and this will be reviewed,” Oduwole emphasized.
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