General News
Half-baked Reality TV, Count me Out – Murray Bruce
Guy Murray-Bruce, president of Silverbird Entertainment, a novel and stylish multi-functional unit, exudes passion for broadcasting
His exposure to radio management has exposed him to the challenges of a competitive growth in an emerging market, and he knows more than most that competition is a healthy part of business.
Silverbird Expansion Programme
Yes it is. We’ve been given licenses to operate in four cities: Awka, Benin, Jos and Yenogoa; both radio and television and we are in the process of setting up these stations in these regions before the end of the year.
Cost of Expansion
I can’t discuss facts and figures with you but it’s a lot of money and we are spending prudently.
Differentiation
Well, some of the programmes will be on re-transmission. Some would be daily broadcasts; some would have its own local content depending on the region where they are.
Establishing Own Pay TV Platform
No, we’re just focusing on terrestrial for now. Pay TV is a different ball game entirely.
And we just want to expand our terrestrial across the nation first before we go into any other side of business.
Silverbird TV Stands Out From Other Channels
It depends on who’s watching. I think good quality programming be it foreign or local, gets the eyeballs, gets the viewers attached to their TV sets and that’s critical. As a result, gets a fair market share. That’s what’s paramount in the business. If you establish a station just specifically for glamour and no financial rewards, you’re just there for entertainment only, nothing else and that’s a different story. But we’re here for both reasons: for entertainment and also to get a huge market share; which I’ve explained, of course.
Major Challenges
The big challenge we have, I think would be power supply. I think that affects everybody in the whole nation, in all walks and parts of life. Power is critical in one’s existence and certainly affects our business. Right now you hear the hum in the background. It’s the generator. As a result, we are polluting air and I don’t like it but we have no choice. When you the pollute air, it affects the lives of younger and older people who have respiratory problems and could easily die from it. You see, when there’s no power we’re indirectly killing people without even knowing it; the elderly, the young who have respiratory problems. You have pollution in the air. What for? Because, there’s no power. Look at the long term result of this problem; it’s a serious hazard to our health. It’s not just a financial drain; it’s a health drain too. So, that’s a huge challenge for us.
Other Challenges
I think human resource too is a challenge and that’s a challenge in any industry. You want to get the best professionals in the broadcasting industry, you have to train and groom them. There’s a dearth in resources and where you want to get the talents from. I think we need to train our people to be the best in the industry. It is a problem, a challenge; every country has been through this and Nigeria should not be any exception. We are going through a phase. America went through this after the great recession, I would imagine, in the 30s. So we’re coming out of that here too. But all the same, Nigeria is a very strong country. People here have the zeal and enthusiasm. They make sure they go the extra mile to get the job done. That’s what’s lovely about Nigeria, its fantastic!
Raising the Workforce
Well, first of all, don’t forget we’re just one TV station here in Lagos, Silverbird TV. The next step for us now is to embark on heavy training of staff for our expansion. That’s the only way we can go forward; that’s where we’re going now, we’re going to commence heavy training; we’re going to get the best consultants in the world to train our guys so we can move forward and set the standards for the industry.
Editorial Control
Well, we have an editorial board here in the station and I think our guys are diligent and careful in what they put out there for people to hear. The editorial challenges are no different from power challenges in the country; to me they’re all the same. They’re all of different levels of whatever you think of it. But we have great broadcasters here who are decent and understand the industry and they make sure they take good care; whatever they put out to the people is what’s best for the people. They have to sift through a lot of things before they put out.
Really
Yes, they have to because if you’re not careful, your jaws will kill you too
Boosting Productions
First of all, we’re coming up with independent programmes like the one you’re watching right now; it began on STV six months ago. Believe it or not, it has staff strength of about 60 people; all the way from the guy at the top to the guy at the bottom. It’s very costly to produce a programme; it doesn’t look like it’s costly but it is. Cost of production is very high in Nigeria and when you look at it; it doesn’t tally with what you get in return. You just ask yourself is it worth it? And that’s what independent producers go through and I feel for them. If you’re to run the studio every single day and have no returns back, you go bankrupt and that’s what the average independent producer goes through. We’re fortunate, it’s ours. Imagine if you have to rent it everyday; you pay for everything everyday and no revenue coming in. Those are one of the challenges in the industry that we’re faced with. Luckily, that’s not our only business; we have a radio station, so that’s part of our business but production in Nigeria’s getting very expensive and it’s going to get more expensive-the quality of our presenters, the quality of our actors are getting better. They’re getting paid more a lot more as a result; cost of production is a lot higher. Unfortunately, the revenue is not coming up high as the production is coming up high . So, when you have that scenario you ask yourself, what do I do next? But you’re there for the long call; you’re not there for the short run. If you’re a long distance runner, you’ll achieve it.
Local Content
It’s come a long way from what they were 10 years ago; still not where it’s supposed to be; it can get a lot better. Nigerians produce a lot of content for television and radio and movie industry. Look at Nollywood, that’s an example of how it is. How do you make a movie in one week; you get all the actors and everybody and in one week done? But the point is, you have to start from somewhere. They’re doing it the way they can, eventually they’ll get there; they’ll be as big as Hollywood and Bollywood. Bollywood wasn’t that great some years back but now they’re better than most countries. Bollywood has come a long way from what it was 20 years ago; it was probably like Nigeria’s Nollywood or worse. Now, it’s (Bollywood) second best. So there’s still an opportunity here for the broadcasting or entertainment industry in Nigeria to get a lot better like their foreign counterparts. I don’t think we’re far apart now; we just need to pull our resources together to make that happen.
Too Many Reality Shows on TV
Well, that’s a different story entirely. The reality shows here; some of them are okay and some of them are crap, that’s the bottom-line. I’m not going to be specific. Everything’s called reality and then, nothing’s real. I don’t know, I guess I’m not much of a reality TV fan except its well produced. If it’s half-baked, I’m not interested. But I see the enthusiasm for it. I guess it’s like anything else; it’s got to be nurtured. We’re trying to be like Hollywood, at the same time we’re not there. So, it is an imitation of something that’s not quite what it’s supposed to be. Most reality shows I see on TV are half-baked but as a matter of fact, in time they’ll get better. It’s a waiting game.
What Do You Enjoy Watching?
I like watching STV, I won’t lie to you. That’s the honest truth. I’m not trying to be biased because I run the station but I just find the programmes, especially prime time, very interesting. I like it because it fits my profile; I guess that’s what it is. People like different things, that is why they tune to other stations. It’s a choice you make in life. I just love my STV; it’s comfortable. I feel comfortable watching STV, I feel relaxed, I feel in tune, I feel entertained. It rejuvenates me, it gives me hope. I look forward to the next day when I watch STV funny enough, because I’m looking forward to the next day’s show. You know, feel like you’re in a comma and it wakes you up.
Broadcasting and Promoting Peace in the Niger Delta
I think, first of all there must be unity in the country. There’s a marked disparity between the rich and the poor. Once the people start having an income, all these problems would stop. The reason why I believe, there’s so much problem in the Niger Delta is the haves and the have-nots. The have-nots are complaining basically because they don’t have. They are being deprived of what’s rightfully theirs and when this happens, they take extreme measures because they don’t have anything at all. And this problem’s as a result of lack of education and I won’t say laziness but they just think it’s theirs just for the asking. It’s wrong but I think with education, all these things will come to an end. With education and good employment, we shouldn’t have these problems. When you start educating the people, give them the right infrastructure to live in, supply them with water, electricity, good roads, educate the people and create employment for them; why would anybody else go out and look for havoc? It’s a simple solution. If you’re educated and have a good job, you won’t be looking for mischief. I think the people there have been deprived for so long; they really need to be rescued. It’s not their fault because they’ve been neglected for so long; they really need to be looked after. The only way you look after them is not by giving them hand-outs; by educating them and teaching them how to make money.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for a fundamental shift in Kano State’s economic strategy, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledge Kano’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
He emphasised that while these strengths powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers even greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
He described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels. According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He said, “Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”
He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.
Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.
General News
Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential
Sterling Bank Limited on Monday convened stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and boosting economic growth.
L-R: Mr. Ayo Ademilua, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria; Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive, The Alternative Bank; Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Coprporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank; Engr. Bem Samuel Anyangeuor, Representative, Honorable Minister of Power and Mr. Oluwaseyi Okunnuga, Group Head, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Finance, Sterling Bank at the just concluded Renewable Energy Colloquium held in Lagos recently.
The colloquium, themed “Beyond the Grid: Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy”, was held in Lagos and brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to deliberate on priority areas for action.
In his opening address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, represented by Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, said the bank would focus on regulation and financing to expand access to energy.
He noted that energy access remained critical to supporting economic growth and achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Scaling Electrification in Nigeria: The REA Impact”, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, said Nigeria required about 26 billion dollars to bridge its energy deficit.
Aliyu explained that the energy transition strategy integrates grid, mini-grid and off-grid technologies to achieve universal, reliable and sustainable energy access while aligning with national development and climate goals.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor, commended Sterling Bank for convening the dialogue.
He said renewable energy and rural electrification were central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ministry of Power has continued to expand electricity access to underserved communities to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation,” Adelabu said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy, including the ongoing two-gigawatt grid-scale solar project.
He described it as the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken by the state.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, urged participants to move beyond communiqués and act with intention to deliver meaningful impact.
The colloquium featured panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among other discussions.
Cellulant, a leading Pan-African payments company enabling seamless digital transactions across Africa, has appointed Mr. Freddie Oduro as its new Country Manager for Ghana.
Mr. Freddie Oduro, New Country Manager for Ghana.
Freddie’s appointment is a key step in Cellulant’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in priority markets by accelerating the acquisition of in-country enterprise businesses and strengthening its position as the payments partner of choice in Africa.
Freddie brings over a decade of commercial and strategic leadership experience in the telecommunications and financial services sectors, with expertise in sales, business operations, and market expansion.
In his new role, he will drive merchant acquisition, strengthening partnerships, oversee collections and payout operations, while ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
He joins Cellulant from Payaza and previously served as Sales Director at Cellulant, where he helped significantly expand the company’s footprint in Ghana.
Cellulant has been powering payments in Ghana for leading brands in sectors like e-commerce, utilities, oil and gas and retail, helping them offer their customers a wide range of secure digital payment options.
“We are happy to welcome Freddie back to the Cellulant family,” says Richard Gesimba, Chief Revenue Officer at Cellulant. “Ghana remains a critical market for us, with immense potential driven by rising digital payments adoption.
“As we sharpen our focus on in-country enterprise customers, Freddie’s leadership and industry insight make him the ideal person to steer our Ghana operations.”
The appointment comes at a transformative time for the company. Following a strategic shift between late 2023 and early 2024, focused on streamlining operations, doubling down on enterprise payments, and strengthening customer intimacy, Cellulant achieved profitability in 2024 and continues to build on this momentum.
The company now processes close to 4.5 million transactions daily for businesses across Africa, reinforcing its position as a fintech leader.
“I am honoured to return to Cellulant and lead the Ghana team at such a defining moment,” says Freddie, Country Manager for Cellulant Ghana. “Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity.
“We will ramp up our efforts to sign on more local merchants, strengthen our compliance and control frameworks, and introduce innovative solutions like Tingg Edupay, our automated school fee management solution that eliminates reconciliation delays by validating payments in real time and instantly updating student accounts.
“We will build on Cellulant’s strong foundation to deliver real value, reliability, and economic impact.”
Ghana’s digital payments sector continues to grow steadily, supported by increased mobile money usage and a progressive regulatory environment. Between January and October 2025, the value of mobile money transactions hit about GH¢ 3.6 trillion, up sharply from GH¢ 2.37 trillion in the same period of 2024.
Registered mobile money accounts now exceed 79 million, demonstrating strong consumer and business confidence in digital financial services and in turn creating many opportunities for payment innovation.
This leadership appointment underscores Cellulant’s commitment to building a resilient, high-performance organisation geared towards playing a pivotal role in the next era of Africa’s digital economy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cellulant plans to further enhance the user experience on its payment platform, Tingg, and expand its footprint across Ghana.
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