Broadcasting
FG Approves N10Bn to Boost Digital Switch-over
President Bola Tinubu has approved a grant of N10 billion for the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to embark on a transformative journey to achieve the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) dividends for Nigeria.
The Director-General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at a joint news conference with the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida.
DSO is a project to transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Launched by the Federal Government in 2008, the DSO project aimed to enhance the quality and quantity of television programming, increase access to television services, and free up spectrum for other uses.
Addressing the newsmen, the NBC boss explained that, to achieve the desired results in the DSO journey, the commission would collaborate with the NCC and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
“Under the visionary leadership of Mr President, we are embarking on a transformative journey to achieve the DSO dividends for Nigeria.
“As you are all aware, the process of switching over from analogue to digital terrestrial television platforms began fully in Nigeria in 2016. However, the process has stalled due to enormous challenges.
“In view of this, the President has graciously approved a grant of N10 billion from spectrum sales by the Federal Government to the NBC,” Ebuebu said.
He added, “This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project.
“The areas of utilising this grant include developing and managing channels that cater for diverse interests, leasing transponders, and establishing a robust satellite backbone to ensure 100 per cent signal coverage across Nigeria.
“Others are audience measurement, marketing and publicity, content production studios, digital set-top boxes, FreeTV APP, and conducting comprehensive training sessions and workshops for stakeholders,” Ebuebu said.
According to him, adopting the digital broadcasting standards will align Nigeria with global norms, enhance competitiveness, and attract foreign investments.
Ebuebu added that digital broadcasting will bridge the digital divide, ensuring access to vital information, education, and entertainment for remote and unserved communities.
He also said that traditional platforms would not fade out but adopt the new digital system because the ecosystem is huge and has a lot of dividends.
“With the introduction of DSO, a lot of people are going to be introduced to a new set of skills; there is technology; you are going to learn to use software in production; and all of that, and we are partnering to ensure it is done right.”
Also speaking, Maida said convergence is the new way to go in digital operations.
“Convergence has changed the media landscape. About 90 per cent of the media we consume today is not traditional broadcast.
“This convergence has given us the option to consume media in so many ways, but primarily through the internet and as a regulator for communications.
“It is very important that the NCC be part of this journey.
“To do justice to the DSO project, there is a need to create content with the notion that the mode of production has changed and that the majority of this content is going to be consumed on demand,” he said.
Maida added that contents in DSO, required some levels of interaction in real-time, which the traditional broadcast did not allow or do optimally.
Airbus has named Gabriel Semelas as President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, effective from 1st January 2025.
Gabriel Semelas brings more than 24 years of experience in the aeronautical industry, having held key senior executive roles.
He returns to Airbus from his current position as Chief Commercial and Financial Officer at Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH in Germany.
Prior to that, he led the contracts team for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Africa and the Middle East.
In his new role, Gabriel Semelas will be responsible for overseeing Airbus’ operations across all the company’s divisions in the Africa and Middle East region, a key area for Airbus strategic development.
Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President International at Airbus, said: “Gabriel’s extensive background in the aeronautical industry, coupled with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Airbus’ operations in Africa and the Middle East.
“We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen our presence and partnerships in this strategically important region.”
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such a pivotal time for Airbus in Africa and the Middle East.
“I look forward to working with our talented teams and partners to drive growth and innovation in this dynamic market,” said Gabriel Semelas.
Gabriel Semelas succeeds Mikail Houari, who has played a crucial role in expanding Airbus’ footprint in the region over the past years.
With a significant presence throughout the Middle East and Africa, Airbus employs more than 3,300 people and remains committed to delivering industry leading products and services to customers across the region.
The company actively sources supplies and components from local companies and provides comprehensive technical support to its partners.
Airbus has also launched several initiatives aimed at developing skills and talent in the region, nurturing the future leaders of the aerospace industry.
Big Larry, a popular Nollywood actor has been pronounced dead on Friday by Stanley Ontop, film producer
Big Larry
Details’ surrounding his sudden demise is yet to be known.
Big Larry’s death comes just a few weeks after the passing of another Nollywood actress, Sharon Okpamen, who died following childbirth.
Stanley Ontop his on Instagram wrote: “Breaking News: Nollywood actor Big Lary just passed away. Je nke Oma big. What caused his demise is yet to be ascertained. May your soul rest in peace Big Lary. Nollywood Asaba Mourns. Shalom!!!”
Fans and admirers of the late actor have flocked to the post’s comment section to pay tribute to him.
Consumer Advocacy & Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) hosted a one-day workshop on “Improving Access and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Digital Financing” in Lagos.
L-R: Bunmi Adebiyi, Senior Manger, Development Finance Office, CBN; Chinonso Umeh, Head, Retail Services ,Zenith Bank; Lukeman Salami, representative of Association for the Blind; Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director, CADEF; Adeola Aina, Vice-chairman, Association for the Blind and Lovelyn Okafor, Director of Programmes and Communications, CADEF at workshop on Improving Access and Inclusion for PWDs in Digital Financing in Lagos, recently.
The event brought together government officials, financial institutions, disability organizations, and experts to discuss strategies for enhancing financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
Speaking at the workshop, Safiu Babatunde, Head of Legal Services at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, emphasized the importance of financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
He highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing traditional and digital financial services and called for innovative solutions to address these barriers.
“Disability related obstacles affect the participation of individuals at every stage of developmental interventions intended to boost livelihoods of people,” Babatunde said.
“Key among the resources essential for enhancing the livelihood of individuals is having access to financial resources for undertaking economic activities.”
He continued, “Unfortunately over the years, traditional banks do not seem to have served people with disability related obstacles.
“Persons with disability have limited access to financial services, including traditional and alternative banking, online payment services, and financial transactions as well as mobile banking applications.”
Babatunde emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to promote financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
“This partnership can bring together government agencies, financial institutions, and disability organizations to collaborate on developing and implementing initiatives that promote financial inclusion for these concerned populations,” he said.
Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, underscored the organization’s commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
She emphasized the need for inclusive financial products and services that cater to the specific needs of people with disabilities.
“CADEF has been empowering individuals with financial literacy, including those with disabilities.
“Our goal is to create inclusive financial systems that meet the needs of all Nigerians”, she said.
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, also called for increased public-private collaboration to address the financial barriers faced by PWDs.
General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized the need for tailored financial products and accessible services.
Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Mr. Safiu Babatunde, Head of the Legal Department, urged the banking sector to be more responsive to the needs of PWDs.
Participants discussed the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing financial services, such as limited awareness of available products, inaccessible ATMs and branches, and discriminatory practices.
They also explored potential solutions, including the development of accessible mobile banking applications, financial education programs in sign language and Braille, and partnerships with disability organizations.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants agreed on the need for concerted efforts to improve financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
They pledged to work together to develop and implement practical solutions that will empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the financial sector.
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