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Economic Hardship Forces 243,000 Nigerians to Drop DStv, GOtv Subscriptions

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The South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group disclosed that its Nigerian unit, MultiChoice Nigeria, lost 243,000 subscribers on its Digital Satellite Television (DStv) and General Entertainment on Television (GOtv) services from April to September this year.

The company revealed these figures in its Interim Financial Results for the period ending 30 September 2024, which were released on Tuesday.

MultiChoice attributed this decline to Nigeria’s high inflation rate, which exceeds 30%, driven by the rising costs of food, electricity, and fuel, causing many customers to disconnect.

In its financial report for March 2024, MultiChoice had earlier reported an 18% subscriber loss in Nigeria.

The company further reported a 566,000-subscriber loss in the Rest of Africa operations over the past six months, with Zambia and Nigeria contributing the largest shares to this decline.

“With the Rest of Africa business having seen a decline of 803k subscribers in 2H FY24, this rate of decline slowed to 566k in 1H FY25,” stated MultiChoice.

The loss included 298,000 in Zambia and 243,000 in Nigeria, while other markets experienced a minor decline.

Extreme inflation and currency instability have negatively impacted the group’s profits, with MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela commenting, “We are making good progress in addressing the technical insolvency that resulted from non-cash accounting entries at the end of the last financial year.”

Mawela noted that the group’s net equity position is expected to recover by November.

With regard to Zambia’s losses, the company attributed them to extensive power outages caused by drought, leaving some regions with up to 23 hours of daily outages.

The company also cited competition from streaming services and changes in viewer preferences as pressures on its traditional pay-TV model.

To adapt, MultiChoice invested an additional ZAR1.6 billion in its streaming service Showmax, which reported 50% year-over-year growth.

Mawela added, “Showmax strategically positions the business to actively participate in the streaming revolution as it gains momentum across Africa.”


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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

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51-Year-Old QNET User Breaks World Record with 20 Back Handsprings

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QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.

Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.

On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.

His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.

“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.

“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.

Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”

QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.

“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.

“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”

QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.

Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.


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House of Reps Calls for N500bn Recapitalization of DisCos

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House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.

The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.

This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.

Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.

He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.

Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.

The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.

The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.

The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.

Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.


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Chinenye Anuforo of The Sun Newspaper Honored for Excellence in ICT Journalism

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Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist from The Sun Newspaper, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to ICT journalism in Nigeria.

Chinenye Anuforo receiving the ATAEx Award presented by Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, executive secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)

Last week, she received the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that highlight the complexities and potential of the ICT sector.

“Chinenye’s dedication to her craft is evident in her insightful analysis and engaging storytelling,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the ATAEx Awards.

“Her work has consistently illuminated the significant impact of technology on society, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”

The accolades continued as Anuforo was named the ICT Reporter of the Year at the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) just a week later.

This prestigious award further cements her status as a leading voice in the ICT industry.

Mr. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, who presented the award, praised Anuforo’s role in shaping public discourse on ICT issues.

“Her reports have not only informed but also inspired, making her a true champion of digital innovation,” he said.

Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive these awards.

“I am grateful to my editors at The Sun Newspapers for their unwavering support and to the organizers of the ATAEx Awards and Africa Digital Awards for recognizing my work.

“It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector in Nigeria through journalism.”


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