Broadcasting
FG Asks NBC to Hammer Stations for Broadcast Code Violations
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture, has directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction broadcasting organizations that violate the nation’s Broadcast Code, saying the serial violation of the code by many radio and television stations constitute a threat to national peace, security and unity.
The Minister gave the directive while addressing participants at the DSO Stakeholders’ Retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
”As I have said on a number of occasions, this Administration will neither stifle press freedom nor tamper with freedom of expression. But it will also not condone a situation in which broadcast stations will set the nation on fire by ignoring the minimum standard as contained in the Broadcast Code.
”If we set the country on fire by our actions, none of us will escape the consequences. For those who may think this is far-fetched, let me remind them that a radio station, Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), played a (catalytic) role during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide that left some 800,000 people dead,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said the Broadcast Code was clear when it said in Section 0.2.1: ”Broadcasting shall influence society positively, setting the agenda for the social, cultural, economic, political and technological development of a nation, for the public good.”
He also quoted three other relevant Sections of the Code: Section 3.1.2 (Materials likely to incite or encourage to the commission of a crime or lead to public disorder shall not be broadcast); Section 3.9.1 (Language or scene likely to encourage or incite to crime, or lead to disorder, shall not be broadcast) and Section 0.2.3g (Broadcasting shall be mindful of the degree of harm and offence likely to be caused by the inclusion of any material in programming, in general or in specific terms).
”Unfortunately, many of our broadcasters today are wilfully flouting these critical Sections of the Code by broadcasting inciting materials and language that can encourage or incite crime or lead to disorder. The situation has become worse in recent times, in the wake of the Farmers/Herders’ clashes.
”The killings in Benue in the new year are unfortunate, condemnable and unacceptable. But the coverage of the aftermath of the killings by many broadcast stations has shown a flagrant disregard for the Broadcast Code, lack of professionalism and outright irresponsibility. Many broadcast stations are guilty of this,” the Minister said.
He added: ”For those who may want to misrepresent us, this is not a call for censorship, but a call for responsibility and total adherence to the Broadcast Code. Playing, over and over again, the footage of dead bodies in the aftermath of any crisis is capable of inciting public disorder. Rolling, time and time again, the footage of mass burial of victims of any crisis is equally inciting. Offering your platform to public commentators who use incendiary language or engage in ethnic-baiting is detrimental to national peace and unity.”
Alhaji Mohammed commended the stakeholders for the success recorded in the Digital Switch Over (DSO) last year., saying it was a ”pleasant irony” that a year that was marked with bickering ended with DSO rollout in Kwara and Kaduna States within 48 hours.
He said the momentum must be maintained by making the year 2018 the most successful yet in the country’s digitization process.
”This retreat is therefore highly commendable, as it provides the stakeholders the opportunity to take a holistic look at the whole process and come out with the way forward. I have no doubt that the retreat, coming so early in the year, will have a positive impact on the DSO process, and speed up our rollout in the new year,” the Minister said.
Segun Adeyemi
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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