Broadcasting
Angst over Poor Services Offered by FreeTV
Subscribers to FreeTV, recently launched in Lagos as the country’s official Free-To-View digital terrestrial television (DTT), have expressed disappointment over poor reception, total lack of it and lean channel offerings among others.
The service was launched in Lagos on April 30 by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information, as part of the national digital switchover (DSO) programme.
According to New Telegraph, but two weeks after launch, subscribers have been venting their anger on FreeTV’s official Facebook page.
Reginald Iyama, a Facebook user who has bought the decoder, wrote that his decoder has not been activated six days after purchase. “FreeTV is gone too soon. I have been trying to activate for over six days now,” he wrote.
Omekele Onogwu Matthew, another user, detailed his experience as: “Activation problem, subscription problem, refresh problem. For all of these, you must pass through their top dealers, who will demand commission.”
It is the same for Ehibor Loveday, who stated: “You can’t activate, you can’t subscribe, you can’t refresh. What a useless FreeTV. I have it (the decoder) in the dustbin. This is Nigeria where nothing works.”
Osho Abiodun said he bought 10 decoders from a dealer in Lagos and has been unable to activate any, the reason he demanded a refund.
“I bought 10 decoders from one of your distributors in Lagos and all are not working. The dealer can’t activate the decoders. Now, I don’t want to have any issue with FreeTV as from today and I want my money back,” he wrote.
For many others in the state, there is little information on where to buy decoders.
Tunde Niyi Abiodun, who resides in Ikorodu, wrote that the decoders are not available in the town. It is the same with Arix Oyekan, who asked where he can buy in Lagos, and Dorcas Adeleye, who wanted to know where to buy in Agege.
Subscribers also complained about is the refusal of FreeTV staff to respond to their enquiries on activation, subscription renewal and signal disappearance.
Mbanugo Steve, a discontented user, wrote: “Some of the questions I wanted to ask like the names of stations on offer, price and where to buy have been asked over an hour ago, but nobody is offering answers.”
When a call was put through 0703887277, the number listed as FreeTV’s on its Facebook page, the call was a female, who said she is a staff of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Abuja. She said the decoder costs between N12,000 and N13,000, with subscribers expected to pay a yearly digital access fee of N1,500.
Those lucky with the signal complained of the limited number of channels on the platform, saying some of the channels they once watched have since disappeared, with no explanation offered.
Egwim Mamba Chris, who said he rescanned his decoder many times, wrote: “Children need a particular station dedicated to cartoons, so they too can enjoy FreeTV. Also, what happened to stations like Core TV, One Music etc…They have stopped showing for long.”
The experiences are not exclusive to Lagos, where the service has just been launched, but have been endured by residents of states where FreeTV was launched between 2016 and 2017.
In a post made two years ago, one Oluwatoyin Afolashade, who did not give her city of residence, complained that her decoder was inactive for six months.
“Our FreeTV stopped working six months ago. When I click on factory reset, it detects channels but still says no signal though the green light is on,” she wrote.
Also, Lorenzo Nathan, who is based in Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory, said he got a FreeTV decoder a few years ago, but has not enjoyed it.
New Telegraph
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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