Broadcasting
Gov Sanwo-Olu Asks PR Practitioners and Stakeholders to Help check the spread of Covid-19

Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu has Sanwo-Olu called on Public Relations Practitioners and other Public Communication expert to key into the administration’s strategies to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 Delta Variant and other health challenges on Lagosians.

L-R President African Public Relations Association, Mr Yomi Badejo – Okusanya;Executive Secretary MTN Nigeria Foundation, MrsOdunayoSanya; President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos Chapter, Mr Comfort Nwankwo and the Conference Convener, CEO Addefort Limited, MrOlabamijiAdeleye at the 8th Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders’ Conference, Promoting Healthcare and Wellness at the MUSON Centre, on Thursday August 26, 2021.
He promised to transform medical infrastructure in Lagos to discourage outbound medical travels and attract medical tourism to the state.
Sanwo-Olu who disclosed this on Thursday at the 8th Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders’ Conference with the theme: Policy Communication for Sustainable Healthcare and Wellness in Nigeria, urged individuals, corporate bodies and leaders in different spheres of life to join hands with the government in building a healthcare system that is reliable, affordable and sustainable for the people.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me stress that in Lagos, we prioritize the health of residents. Hence, we are working hard to improve public health facilities across the state.
“The construction of new Massey Street Children Hospital as well as a new General Hospital at Ojo LGA has commenced. The objective is to improve medical infrastructure, boost access to quality healthcare service and achieve universal health service.
” It is also meant to improve the state’s health indices, discourage outbound medical travels and attract medical tourism to Lagos as well as improve work experience of health workers.
“Similarly, we have begun phased deep refurbishment and renovation of General Hospitals in the state.
“Thus, comprehensive renovation work is ongoing at the Ebute Metta Heath Centre, Harvey Road Health Centre, General Hospital, Odan-Lagos, General Hospital, Isolo and Ketu-Ejirin Health Centre,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Akin Abayomi said the objectives are to improve health infrastructure, increase capacity for human resource for health and improve work experience of health workers.
“Permanent Triage and Oxygen Therapy Centres have also been established to effectively manage serve to critical cases in high burden Local Government Areas to support patients with oxygen before they are transferred to isolation care centers.
“The care centers, which are permanent facilities will be an addition to the existing infrastructure in the hospitals and the facility after the pandemic and thy can be used for other healthcare purposes.
“In addition, the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LHIS) was introduced to make healthcare delivery affordable to families and individuals across the state with the “IleraEko” Scheme. This scheme has assisted in providing quality, yet affordable health care to Lagosians in areas such as outpatient common ailments and conditions such as malaria, management of uncomplicated chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
“Through the Public Private Partnership, we have also placed a forward moving agreement on health as well as encourage innovation on maintenance and sustainability of the state’s health sector.
“As a testimony to our government’s resolve to improve the residents’ health, a wellness centre was established at the Secretariat, Alausa to assist public servants with depression and other mental health challenges.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, as I draw a close, I solicit the cooperation of members of NIPR in Lagos State to join us in championing mental reorientation among the citizenry.
” I also seek your enduring partnership and understanding with the government in all mutually rewarding areas. Our unique strength as a state is our developmental plan, optimism and work ethics, our diversity as well as commitment to the upliftment of the well-being of the people,” he said.
The governor calls more public sensitization to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 Delta Variant and other health challenges on Lagosians.
“On Monday, I gave an update on the challenges posed by COVID-19 Delta Variant Pandemic and our proactive responses to enhance ongoing preventive protocols to be observed by all members of the public. I have to reiterate that our COVID-19 Care Centers are functional with healthcare personnel to attend to incidents effectively.
“We have commenced dispensation of the second phase of the vaccine programme which has been positively accepted by members of the public.
“However, the consumption rate for oxygen for affected persons in the Care Centres has increased to over 400 cylinders daily. This is an indication on the need to step up the campaign and make our people understand that the battle against COVID-19 is not yet won, therefore, we cannot afford to let down our guards.
“At this time, we have to stand together and ensure that we play our roles as stakeholders and members of the community. We have to enlighten people in our various communities and neighborhood on the need to enhance personal safety hygiene standards.
“In a social media driven era when the public information space is filled with all kinds of disinformation, misinformation and outright lies. It is quite commendable that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos Chapter has always been at the forefront of promoting professionalism and objectivity in public information dissemination,” he said.
The annual Conference is the brainchild of Addefort Limited; a public relations and concept development firm. It is held in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos.
Broadcasting
Navigating the Maze: Solutions for Nigeria’s Flourishing Foodtech Industry

By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store
Nigeria’s foodtech sector holds immense promise to transform our nation’s food production, distribution, and consumption systems.
However, this burgeoning industry currently navigates a complex maze of challenges that could significantly hinder its progress. While innovation and entrepreneurial drive are abundant, a confluence of infrastructural deficits, economic headwinds, technological disparities, and logistical complexities casts a shadow on the sector’s long-term viability.
Understanding and addressing these multifaceted hurdles is paramount for foodtech companies aspiring to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security.
One of the most significant impediments to the foodtech sector’s advancement is Nigeria’s persistent infrastructural weaknesses.
The unreliable power supply, a well-known constraint for businesses nationwide, directly threatens food preservation, increasing spoilage risks and driving up operational costs for companies reliant on refrigeration and consistent processing.
Similarly, the often-deteriorated state of our road networks complicates logistics and transportation, hindering the efficient movement of goods from farms to consumers and across the supply chain.
Furthermore, limited access to clean water exacerbates operational challenges, particularly for maintaining food processing and hygiene standards. Collectively, these infrastructural shortcomings inflate operational expenses and introduce vulnerabilities throughout the food supply chain.
Economic constraints add another layer of intricacy. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates create instability in pricing and procurement, especially for businesses dealing with imported technologies or ingredients. Persistent inflation erodes consumer purchasing power and increases the cost of essential inputs, squeezing profit margins for startups.
Moreover, limited access to credit and investment capital makes it difficult for emerging foodtech companies to secure the necessary funding to invest in crucial technology, infrastructure, and expansion efforts.
This financial constraint can stifle innovation and prevent promising ventures from reaching their full potential.
The digital divide also poses a unique challenge for foodtech companies aiming to leverage online platforms and digital solutions. While mobile phone usage is widespread in Nigeria, disparities in digital literacy and access to reliable internet connectivity can restrict the widespread adoption of online food ordering and delivery services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
This necessitates creative and inclusive strategies to bridge the digital gap and reach a broader consumer base.
Inefficiencies within the supply chain represent a critical bottleneck in the Nigerian food system. Fragmented agricultural supply chains, characterised by numerous intermediaries and a lack of transparency, contribute to alarmingly high post-harvest losses.
Inadequate storage facilities and inefficient transportation infrastructure further compound these issues, leading to significant waste and price volatility.
Addressing these systemic weaknesses is crucial for ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for all Nigerians.
Navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape can also be a daunting task for foodtech businesses. The presence of multiple regulatory agencies, coupled with often bureaucratic and time-consuming processes for obtaining licenses and permits, can create significant hurdles for startups. Clear, consistent, and streamlined processes within the regulatory framework are essential to foster a more enabling environment for innovation and growth.
Building consumer trust and acceptance for new food technologies requires overcoming inherent skepticism and unfamiliarity. Concerns regarding food safety, quality, and the security of online transactions can hinder the adoption of novel food products and digital platforms.
Transparent communication, robust quality control measures, and consistent consumer engagement are vital for building confidence and fostering widespread acceptance.
Finally, a notable talent gap exists within the Nigerian foodtech ecosystem.
A shortage of professionals possessing specialised skills in food science, technology, business management, and logistics can limit the growth and innovation capacity of companies in this sector. Addressing this skills deficit through targeted training and development initiatives is crucial for long-term success.
Despite these significant challenges, promising pathways forward can be forged through innovative and context-specific approaches. Investing in localised infrastructure solutions, such as independent power generation and efficient localised logistics networks, can mitigate the impact of broader infrastructural deficiencies.
Exploring diverse funding avenues beyond traditional banking, including angel investors, government grants, crowdfunding, and revenue-based financing, can alleviate financial constraints.
Adapting to the digital divide by leveraging basic mobile technology and employing offline strategies like local agent networks can expand reach and inclusivity.
Building resilient supply chains through direct farmer relationships, investing in aggregation centres, and utilising technology for farm management offer tangible solutions to logistical inefficiencies.
Proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and advocating for clearer, more supportive policies are crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape effectively. Building consumer trust necessitates transparent sourcing practices, clear communication about product benefits and safety, and active engagement with consumer feedback.
Finally, investing in talent development through collaborations with educational institutions and in-house training programs can bridge the critical skills gap.
Foodstuff Store is emerging as a business with a clear vision to directly confront several of these challenges. We are actively developing a decentralised network of businesses supported by strategically located distribution hubs across target states.
This approach will directly address the limitations imposed by poor road networks, ensuring more localised access to our food products.
Furthermore, the establishment of regional storage facilities, including a state-of-the-art solar-powered cold storage, directly tackles infrastructural deficiencies related to food preservation and ensuring a consistent supply.
Foodstuff Store’s ambition for end-to-end management of the food supply chain, encompassing in-house production, direct sourcing, advanced storage solutions, and efficient distribution, offers a powerful solution to existing supply chain inefficiencies.
This integrated approach promises enhanced quality control, significant reductions in post-harvest losses, and a more reliable supply of both perishable and non-perishable goods for our customers.
Our aspiration to become the “Amazon for Food Products” is a clear and ambitious goal underpinned by a technology-driven approach to all aspects of our operational management.
Foodstuff Store’s vision underscores a business model strategically designed to overcome significant hurdles within the Nigerian foodtech sector, offering a beacon of potential and a pathway to a more secure and efficient food system in a challenging yet remarkably promising landscape.
Broadcasting
History as TVC News Unveils Nigeria’s First AI-Powered News Anchors

TVC News has broken new ground in Nigeria’s media space with the launch of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) news presenters.
Rolled out in May 2025, the AI anchors will deliver news bulletins in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, reflecting the broadcaster’s commitment to technological advancement and linguistic inclusion.
The initiative is designed to enhance news delivery by supporting human journalists, not replacing them.
TVC Communications, the parent company of TVC News, described the development as a milestone in its efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into broadcast journalism.
“We are thrilled to pioneer this innovation in Nigeria’s media industry,” said Victoria Ajayi, chief executive officer, TVC Communications.
“Our AI news anchors represent a new era in news reporting, and this move underscores our dedication to using technology as a tool for growth and progress.”
Ajayi clarified that the AI-generated content will undergo thorough editorial review.
“Trained journalists and editors will assess every output to ensure it meets our standards of accuracy, balance, and credibility,” she noted.
In response to concerns about the potential misuse of AI, the organisation said it had established rigorous editorial safeguards, including watermarking and verification protocols. It also reaffirmed its adherence to the Nigerian Broadcasting Code and journalistic ethics.
With this launch, TVC News has become a trailblazer in AI-assisted journalism in Africa, setting a bold example for future media innovation across the continent.
Broadcasting
FXTM Academy Hosts Charity Cycling Event, Pedal for Progress

FXTM Academy recently hosted the Pedal for Progress charity cycling event, bringing together 200 participants from cities across Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
Held on Saturday, April 19, the competition featured six race categories—Professional Male, Professional Female, Junior Male, Junior Female, Veteran Male, and Veteran Female—allowing cyclists of all skill levels to compete.
The race began at 8:00 a.m., with Juniors completing 10 laps, Veterans tackling 14 laps, and Professionals racing 20 laps, each lap spanning 2.8 kilometers.
Participants competed for significant cash prizes, with winners in the Professional categories receiving ₦800,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000, while those finishing 5th to 15th place earned ₦50,000 each. Junior and Veteran winners also received substantial rewards.
Spectators and participants praised FXTM Academy for fostering unity, sportsmanship, and talent development, with many eagerly anticipating future events.
The academy emphasized its commitment to empowering communities and promoting values such as perseverance, discipline, endurance, and continuous improvement.
FXTM Academy’s Country Representative, Kelechi Ehibudu, highlighted the academy’s dedication to blending sport, charity, and empowerment, setting a new benchmark for community-focused initiatives in Nigeria.
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