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FG Unveils SLTV, New Pay TV to Give Nigerians Value for Money

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Federal Government has unveiled a new satellite pay television which will serve as an alternative to existing ones and satisfy the yearnings of Nigerians by giving them value for their money.

From left: Maj-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin (retd), representing the Minister of Defense, Mohammad Badaru; Niki Onyeri; Prof. Babatunde Bernard, representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; and the Managing Director Metrodigital Limited, Dr Ifeanyi Nwafor, at the unveiling of SLTV in Abuja on Thursday.

Senator George Akume, secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),  disclosed this on Thursday at the official launch of an indigenous Nigerian satellite television, Silver Lake Television (SLTV), in Abuja, noting that the establishment of the outfit is in line with the desire of Nigerians to “reap from the bountiful harvest awaiting investors in the Nigerian economy”.

Akume commended the management of Metrodigital Limited (owners of the firm) for their patriotic step in setting up the satellite television, saying: “It is becoming very clear that we are on the right path to our collective recovery and prosperity. This is our country; the only one we can truly call our own and we must fix it by ourselves.

“In recent times, Nigerians have been yearning for alternatives to Satellite Pay Tv that can serve as an alternative to the existing ones. SLTV has responded very loud and clear and from the information made available to me, they are willing to give their fellow compatriot real value for their money in terms of service quality and affordability.

“It is gladdening that Metrodigital recognises the fact that the Federal Government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment through robust policies and legal frameworks to promote free competitive and responsible broadcasting service in Nigeria, devoid of any form of monopoly and unfair market practices in the broadcast industry in line with the determination of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to turn the Nigerian economy around.

“Since his ascendancy as the president of Africa’s most populous nation, the president has made enormous policy changes in his quest for economic recovery, one of the results being the reason that we have gathered here today.

“Nigeria is an opportunity that is impossible to replicate or find elsewhere in any part of the world. The Federal Government wishes to assure the management of SLTV of her full backing as they continue to do legitimate business in the broadcast industry of Nigeria.”

In his remarks, Dr. Ifeanyi Okafor, managing director of Metrodigital Limited,  lamented that the growth of pay TV in Nigeria had been hampered by policies and legal frameworks that encouraged monopoly.

He said his firm was however, encouraged to invest because the government had started to take positive steps to address the issue.

“The pay TV industry in Nigeria has not actually witnessed a robust and accelerated growth since inception as witnessed in other places. The reason is as a result of the policies and legal frameworks that shape the practice and attitude of the industry participants. This allowed the dominant players to introduce monopolistic practices that over the years prevented innovation, growth and led to poor quality of service delivery.

“It is however gratifying that in the last few years, the Federal Government of Nigeria took the bull by the horn and addressed some of these underlying problems,” Okafor stated.

Speaking to newsmen at the ceremony, Charles Ebuebu, director general and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), disclosed that the commission would consider the call by Nigerian pay satellite television subscribers for the introduction of pay-per-view options.

He, however, said that would he was re-negotiating the contracts already entered into by the content providers.

“Definitely, if it’s applicable, it will be considered. The issue is this, sometimes those discussions also need to start from when the content is acquired, because usually the traditional method of acquisition of content is that you license per month or annually, based on a 30 window.

“So, if you’re going to have to do a pay-per-view, you have to go back and negotiate it. Definitely, we do acknowledge in some instances, in other jurisdictions, some of those models come under different names really applicable so we’re also looking into it as a regulator,” he said.

Ebuebu assured Nigerians that the commission would look into the area of overpricing of content even as he affirmed that the general economic situation in the country affects all sectors of the economy.

He explained: “There are two sides to that coin; the first part to it is that with the current economic situation of the country, inflation and all of that, it’s not just broadcasting that is affected, all businesses are affected, so when you have prices being reviewed upwards, it’s not located only within the broadcast sector.

“However, we do acknowledge the fact that in some cases there have been exploitation in certain areas and as the NBC, we’re looking at it. Like I said, we’re reviewing our policies and regulations so as to create a viable competitive ecosystem in broadcasting where the consumers will be the ones who’ll have to choose and therefore, market forces determined prices and it’s not exploitative.”


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Broadcasting

Big Brother Naija Season 10 to Premiere July 26 with Record ₦150m Grand Prize

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MultiChoice Nigeria, today announced the highly anticipated return of Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, for its landmark 10th season. Set to premiere over two nights on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025, the new season promises 10 weeks of captivating drama, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled entertainment, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Big Brother Naija Season 10

The audition process for this milestone season was meticulously designed to unearth the most engaging and dynamic personalities from across Nigeria. Audition registrations were held from May 3rd to May 7th, 2025, and saw an overwhelming response, followed by rigorous in-person auditions conducted in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu from May 16th to May 18th, 2025.

Speaking on the upcoming season, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, General Entertainment, MultiChoice Group, expressed her excitement: “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy.”

While the official theme for Season 10 will be unveiled on the premiere night, viewers can anticipate a fresh wave of excitement. The beloved Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is returning as host, guiding viewers through every twist and turn of the season. This 10th season also has the highest prize at stake – valued at a whopping N150million.

Fans can catch the premier live on July 26 and 27 exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase, Family and Showmax at 7 PM WAT. The Sunday live eviction shows will also air exclusively on these channels. The 24/7 live stream will be available on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax.

“BBNaija has become more than just a television show; it is a living, breathing cultural force. It has given voice to a new generation of talent, creatives, entertainers, and the influencer community, and it has refined what homegrown entertainment can achieve when it is done at scale with intention and ambition,” added Tejumola.

With a two-night opening live show for Big Brother Naija Season 10, the season is poised to build upon the legacy of its predecessors, with fans expecting a more dynamic and entertaining experience. Still speaking on what the season holds Dr. Tejumola said “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy. From the very first time we introduced Big Brother Naija in 2017, we had an inkling that we had something special. What we couldn’t fully imagine then is how deeply the show would resonate not only in Nigeria but across Africa and in the global diaspora, where our stories continue to connect people to home.”

This milestone season for the iconic show is not without the usual lineup of sponsors. The gold sponsor for the 10th season of the show is Guinness Nigeria. Other sponsors include Smirnoff, Gordons, HFM, Pepsi, Aquafina, Supakomando, Tolaram Group, Bet King, Golden Penny Foods, Haier Thermocool, Checkers custard, and Innoson Motors, among others.

Viewers can catch all the live action and special broadcasts on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and Showmax. The live Sunday eviction shows will air exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8), Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7) and on Showmax.

DStv and GOtv subscribers can also watch the show on the go using the DStv and GOtv Stream apps available on the Google Play Store and IOS App Store.


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GEFAS to Launch Innovation Hub in Anambra, Backs Soludo’s Digital Vision

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Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), a tech-driven network of young professionals, is set to unveil its operational hub in Anambra State as part of efforts to deepen digital engagement and community outreach.

The launch, scheduled for July 17, 2025, will take place at 10 Uche Ekwunife Crescent, Iyiagu Estate, Awka, and is expected to serve as a nerve centre for collaboration, innovation and support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s smart city agenda.

Convener of GEFAS, Mr Fred Agbata, said the initiative reflects the group’s commitment to digital progress and grassroots mobilisation.

“This space reinforces our support for Governor Soludo’s vision of a smart, prosperous Anambra. It’s also a demonstration of what young innovators can achieve when united behind a bigger goal—the re-election of Governor Soludo,” he said.

Agbata added that the hub would provide a platform for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and creatives to co-create solutions that address local challenges and promote inclusive development.

GEFAS has called on stakeholders, youth groups and members of the public to attend the launch and engage with the opportunities the space will offer.


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Over 5,600 Pupils to Benefit as ATC, ProFuturo Partner on Tech-Driven Learning

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American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria and the ProFuturo Foundation have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the educational sector through digital innovation and technology.

ATC

The programme, which is being implemented in conjunction with the Kukah Centre, is expected to benefit over 5,600 school children and 34 teachers across 11 schools in Kano, Kebbi and Taraba states.

The initiative is part of a broader global collaboration between American Tower and ProFuturo Foundation, targeting education gaps in seven African and Latin American countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ATC Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Mr Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, said the partnership was aligned with the company’s Digital Communities programme, which facilitates technology-driven learning, financial literacy for adults and access to healthcare services in underserved areas.

“At ATC Nigeria, we are proud to support this impactful collaboration, which brings digital tools directly into classrooms. This partnership is not just about equipment—it’s about giving children the future they deserve,” he said.

General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, Ms Magdalena Brier, described the partnership as a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering vulnerable communities.

“This alliance reinforces our mission to transform lives by improving access to education and digital tools. Every child and teacher reached through this programme is a testament to what we can achieve together,” she said.

Each school will be equipped with a digital learning kit, which includes computers, tablets, routers, projectors and other essential components tailored to foster interactive learning—even in areas with limited connectivity.

The initiative seeks to strengthen innovative teaching practices and promote inclusive education through digital transformation, with active support from local authorities who were present at the official launch.


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