Broadcasting
Nigeria, Others Drive BBC.Com Users to 100m Mark
New figures* show that BBC.com, the BBC’s international website, has started 2015 on an all-time high.
More than 101 million unique browsers used the website and news app globally during the month of January, generating a record 1.35 billion page views.
Figures for Nigeria is nearly 4 million, whilst South Africa and Kenya surpassed 1 million unique browsers
The figures come after a year which saw BBC.com achieve sustained growth, with more unique browsers every quarter.
Mobile and tablet usage of BBC.com has increased, with year-on-year unique browsers up 67% and 45% respectively, as greater choice and responsive technology encouraged users to turn to BBC.com for news on the go.
A fully responsive tablet version of the site launched in late 2014 and a new feature-packed update to the BBC News app is due to launch in the coming months.
The driving factors for January’s figures were coverage of major global news stories, such as the Paris attacks, along with human interest stories including the resurgence of a piece about why Finnish babies sleep in boxes.
Features sections such as BBC Capital and BBC Earth achieved new peak figures for page views of 7.1m and 5.1m respectively, with stories on the world’s best places to retire and the Earth’s biggest turning points proving particularly popular.
Fran Unsworth, director of the World Service Group, said, “These fantastic figures demonstrate the global demand for comprehensive coverage of world events. Our ambition is to ensure audiences are able to access world-class, up-to-the-minute news and in-depth analysis across both text and video, regardless of which platform they’re on – as the stories break and beyond.”
Tim Davie, CEO BBC Worldwide, added, “It is tremendous news that BBC.com has been enjoyed by over 100 million browsers in the past month. The fact that audiences are responding positively to the innovation that we have delivered across the site is particularly encouraging. Specifically, our investments across genres as well as our increasing availability across all devices, is driving strong growth.”
The BBC’s digital success also extends to social media where it was the most-shared news brand on Twitter every single month last year according to NewsWhip, with stories being shared up to 4 million times a month.
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
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