Broadcasting
Iredia Calls for Law on Digitisation
Dr. Tonnie Iredia, former DG, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), has stated that a law that addresses digital broadcasting is very important in the ditigised arena.
In a paper titled: Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting – Legal and Regulatory Challenges; presented at the recently concluded 2008 Africast Conference and Exhibitions in Abuja, Iredia said digitisation provides more options through multiple channeling and is no doubt, a good policy.
He said: "In virtually every matter, each nation takes into account, the peculiarities of its own environment to formulate a policy that would set the stage and give clear and focused direction to the successful implementation of that matter. In the case of digitisation, what we have is a complex process with socio-economic implications that go beyond the obvious technical dimension."
"Issues such as an exact switchover date as well as other inevitable background matters must first of all be appropriately settled. The policy must cover the entire ground which must take into consideration that new demands are thrown up by new technologies. It is thus necessary to evolve a policy frame-work that would in the case of digital broadcasting specifically address the phenomenon because how a policy is formulated has a major effect on its outcome."
He said: "The nature of digitisation which is premised on advanced technology compels a proper legal and regulatory handling. What this implies is that even where laws have been in place, the new demands arising from the development of new technologies require legislation change. These include but are not limited to spectrum use, licencing, switching from analogue to digital, replacing analogue receivers, transmitters or upgrading the analogue infrastructure."
According to him, there is the need to institute a well articulated statute or an amendment to the relevant existing law to meet current realities; it has been done in the U.S, where a new law – the ‘Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005’ was enacted for that purpose, and same is in the offing in Tanzania and Kenya.
Iredia identified possible challenges in the digitized arena to include such physical constraints as obsolete facilities and poor infrastructural base while decrying the poor maintenance culture in this part of the world.
"In Nigeria for example, the emphasis has been on how to ‘replace’ and not how to ‘repair.’ There has also been the unfortunate trend whereby technical facilities are imported without the requisite spares procured along with them."
He stated that human capacity development is also a challenge in Nigeria because it has not been given the attention it deserves, adding that if the situation is not arrested, the country would be managing a skilled-operation run by unskilled personnel; and with little or no emphasis on the rules of the business, the industry and indeed, the regulator will be overcome by a high degree of unethical practices in the business.
"Has the nation budgeted for digitisation? How much has been budgeted for digitisation? If yes, who has it been allocated to? How well funded is the NBC for the business of regulation?" the broadcast guru mused.
"We cannot over emphasize the fact that digital broadcasting is capital intensive and requires the active support of Government. This explains why the British Government decided to bear the entire cost of the first roll out of the implementation of the switch-over from analogue to digital in the United Kingdom in October 2007."
Iredia recommended that Government should carry out some test transmissions to have a first-hand experience of digital broadcasting before throwing it out to the public while also calling for an aggressive public enlightenment to make people aware of what it entails.
He concluded by saying that Government should ensure that the laws are clear and use the societal institutions set up for the business to govern that sector in all respect; warning: "All these efforts should not be subjected to bureaucracy so that they do not fail."
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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