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First Women Radio Virtual Assistant Makes a Debut in Nigeria

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Women Radio 97.1, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, has made history by unveiling “NIM”, Nigeria’s first Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant.’

First Women Radio Virtual Assistant Makes a Debut in Nigeria

The unveiling took place during the 2024 Women Radio Summit, signalling a transformative era for radio broadcasting in Nigeria.

The initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence into traditional radio broadcasting, represents a paradigm shift in how radio content is created, distributed, and consumed. In her welcome message, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio 97.1, shares her aims to inspire others into AI’s future, expand access to reliable information, and enhance the listener experience by blending advanced technology with human-centred communication.

The event featured some keynote speeches from:

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of Rise Network, emphasised the role of science and technology in empowering women and reshaping media landscapes.

Adedeji Adekunle, programmes director of the Nigeria Media Innovation Program, discussed the critical intersection of AI, innovation, and media development in Nigeria. As well as

Sam Onigbanjo, managing director of AI Academy for Beginners, enumerates ways to upskill for maximum integration.

The summit featured an insightful panel discussion on how artificial intelligence can enhance journalism and broadcasting while upholding ethics and professionalism. Esteemed panellists included:

Motunrayo Alaka, executive director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, stressed the need for maintaining ethical standards in AI-driven journalism.

Kayode Okikiolu, a Channels TV anchor, discussed the integration of AI in traditional media formats to engage broader audiences and highlighted AI’s potential in diversifying content delivery and improving inclusivity in media.

A highly recommended fact-checking resource was the Dubawa.ai chatbot, an app that was showcased at the summit to verify and debunk misinformation, analyse, transcribe, and document files in archives. It is the radio monitoring feature, an initiative of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

‘NIMI’, the Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, is the brainchild of technical engineer Tayo Kalejaiye.

This revolutionary AI radio host is designed to provide seamless interactions with listeners, offering valuable resources, news updates, and support for both on-air and online delivery. By combining AI with traditional broadcasting, ‘NIMI’ aims to enhance accessibility, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified and underserved communities are reached.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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UNILAG Bans Skitmaking, Content Creation on Campus

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University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has officially banned skitmaking, content creation and other video recording activities within its campus and hostels without prior authorization.

UNILAG Bans Skitmaking, Content Creation on Campus

Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, head of Communication, UNILAG, in a statement, said that the ban followed growing concern over the increasing use of university facilities for unapproved video productions, including comedy skits, vox pops and film shoots.

“The attention of the University Management has been drawn to the rising use of the University premises, including hostels and other facilities, for shooting of films, videos, skits, and similar cinematographic activities without proper authorisation,” parts of the statement read.

According to UNILAG, the decision aims to safeguard the institution’s image, maintain decorum within the academic environment, and ensure that its premises are not misrepresented in online or public content.

The university emphasized that any individual, whether a student, staff member, or external party, must seek and obtain formal approval from the institution’s Communication Unit before carrying out any form of recording or production on campus.

While acknowledging the importance of creative expression and media engagement, UNILAG maintained that all such activities must comply with its established rules and procedures to preserve order and safety.

The statement also appealed to members of the university community and the general public to strictly adhere to the new directive “in the interest of order, safety, and collective responsibility”.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Court Orders MultiChoice to Pay Damages for Consumer Rights Violations

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Multichoice Nigeria Limited has been been ordered by Lagos Court to pay damages for breaching consumer rights, in rulings hailed by regulators as victories for consumer protection.

In Lagos, the High Court presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu awarded ₦5 million in damages against Multichoice for unlawfully disconnecting a paid DStv subscription belonging to Mr. Ben Onuora.

The court held that the disruption caused undue hardship to the subscriber and his family, and ordered the company to reconnect the service and extend the subscription to cover the lost period.

The judgment cited Sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Reacting to the judgments, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) described them as landmark decisions that reinforce Nigeria’s consumer protection framework.

In a statement signed by Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs for Mr. Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman, FCCPC, said the rulings demonstrate the effectiveness of judicial enforcement under the FCCPA.

“These outcomes strengthen consumer confidence and marketplace accountability,” Bello said, commending the judiciary and encouraging consumers to continue seeking redress through lawful channels.

Between March and August 2025, the FCCPC facilitated recoveries exceeding ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, according to the Commission.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to promoting fair markets and protecting consumer rights nationwide.


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MultiChoice to Delist from JSE after Canal+ Takeover

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MultiChoice Group is set to delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on December 10 2025, after Canal+ secured control of more than 90% of its shares, effectively completing its takeover of the African pay-TV giant.

MultiChoice to Delist from JSE after Canal+ Takeover

The Group, in a notice to shareholders at the weekend, announced that trading of its shares on both the JSE and A2X will be suspended from Monday, October 27, 2025.

The official delisting date of December 10 is pending regulatory approvals from the JSE, A2X, and the Financial Surveillance Department of the South African Reserve Bank.

Canal+, a French media conglomerate and subsidiary of Vivendi, crossed the 90% shareholding threshold, enabling it to invoke Section 124(1) of South Africa’s Companies Act.

This legal provision allows Canal+ to compulsorily acquire all remaining MultiChoice shares from shareholders who did not accept its offer.

According to the notice, Canal+ will acquire the remaining shares on the same terms and offer price presented during the takeover bid.

“The Remaining MultiChoice Shareholders are reminded of their rights to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction within 30 business days after receiving the Notice in terms of section 124(2) of the Companies Act (“Section 124(2) Rights”).” The notice read.

If no legal challenges are raised, Canal+ will complete the compulsory acquisition six weeks after the notice date, finalising MultiChoice’s transition into a wholly owned subsidiary of the French media group.

The delisting will mark the end of MultiChoice’s 6-year presence on the JSE, where it was listed in 2019 following its spin-off from Naspers.

 

 

 

 


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