Broadcasting
NBC Fines Arise TV, TVC N2m over Breach of Broadcast Code
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined Arise News TV and TVC N2 million each for allegedly breaching the national broadcasting code in the countdown to the 2023 general elections.
Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, director general, NBC, imposed the fine in separate letters he wrote to the managements of the affected organisations yesterday.
The NBC ordered that the fines should be paid within two weeks of the receipt of the letters or the sanction would be graduated.
In its letter to TVC, the commission accused the television station of breaching sections of the code.
NBC accused TVC News of allowing derogatory and unfair comments to be broadcast on its station.
Ilelah said the worrisome trend had become a house style on TVC.
It said the unprofessional broadcasts by TVC include the Joint media Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council press briefing where Festus Keyamo said; “Obasanjo and Atiku run a criminal enterprise, an empire of fraud in Abuja…” and alleged that some goons of Atiku Abubakar were planning to eliminate Michael Achimugu, a whistleblower.
It also excoriated TVC News for not giving equal news coverage to other political parties in all their news.
In the letter to Arise TV, NBC said there were infractions in sections of the code.
The commission cited the broadcast of the presidential campaign rally of PDP in Delta, the interview with Na’jaatu Muhammed, former APC campaign director, and broadcast of the PDP presidential campaign rally in Sokoto.
It slammed Arise Global Media for giving prominence to unfair content which are glamorized on Arise news programme “What is Trending”.
In the letter to Arise TV, Breach Of The Nigeria Broadcasting Code: A Sanction, NBC said it monitored the consistent breach of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code over a period of time during the countdown to the 2023 General Elections.
It said it was a worrisome trend and had become a house style on the channel that enjoys national coverage.
It said it had gotten so unprofessional that unfair content trending on social media were given prominence and unethically glamorised on Arise news programme “What is Trending”.
The commission said some of such unprofessional broadcasts include; “On the 24th of January, 2023, between 1.00 pm 2.27 pm, Arise TV aired Presidential campaign Rally of PDP which was held in Delta State, replete with unfair remarks and mockery of the APC presidential Candidate by DINO Melaye. Mr. Melaye sang a song “…hand dey shake, leg dey shake, baba wey no well, e dey shout emilokan” he further went on to fall down demonstrating the frailty of the APC presidential Candidate. Arise TV did not only air the programme but repeated the distasteful clip of Dino Melaye in a mockery of the APC Presidential candidate in another programme anchored by Ojy Okpe What’s Trending. The Presenter and her Colleagues had a good laugh over such unfair treatment of one another.
“On the 26th January 2023, at 9.40 am, during the programme Morning Show, a guest, Na’jaatu Muhammed described the Presidential Candidate of APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as mentally deranged without caution from the anchor. The Guest had a field day with vituperations against the Presidential Candidate of the APC. She referred to him as Senile.
“On 31-01-2023 at 3:30 pm, during the broadcast of the PDP Presidential Rally in Sokoto State, Dino melaye referred to the Vice Presidential Candidate of APC, Kashim Shettima as GCOB, meaning Grand Commander of Bandits.
“During the same Campaign, PDP Presidential chieftain, Dino Malaye said, “we should be happy that our candidate’s hands don’t shake, his legs don’t shake and he doesn’t have a bell that rings in his head” he further said, “if APC come for campaign, sing a song after them saying, APC are bed-wetters…” then he said again, “…his name is not Bola, his name is bola” (the difference is in pronunciation, later meaning dustbin).
“Hajiya Naja’atu in the same broadcast said, “We are not going to vote for hypocrites, the one that lied that he is a Muslim, but he doesn’t know how to recite the suratul fatiha. We are not going to vote for an illiterate that doesn’t know anything, if people insist on voting him then they should also get ready to allow him lead them in prayers…”
In the letter to TVC, NBC said the station said it has gotten so unprofessional that hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory, and unfair comments are been broadcast on the station.
For the avoidance of doubt, NBC listed some of such unprofessional broadcasts as;
“On 06/01/23 at 12:29 PM, the Joint Media Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council made the following comments while briefing the media. Festus Keyamo: “…Obasanjo and Atiku run a criminal enterprise, an empire of fraud in Abuja. At the same time that Ahmed Bola Asiwaju was toiling hard, beautifully, and meticulously to rebuild Lagos, 2 criminals were stealing money in Abuja at the time…they both stole from the SPV account at that time.”
Speaking about the whistleblower, Micheal Achimugu, he said, “We suspect that some goons of Atiku Abubakar are planning to eliminate him and members of his family. In fact, my big brother FFK actually hinted me about something like that yesterday…
“On 24/01/23 at 03:39 PM, during the APC Presidential Rally in Abia State. The APC Presidential Candidate BOLA AHMED TINUBU after telling the public to vote APC under the symbol of broom, he went on to make the following comment “… You know what you do with the rest of them? They are like lizards, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. Just take the broom, wipe them off”
“On 31/01/23 at 02:37 pm, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally which held in Anambra State. The party’s Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu also made the following remarks; “…When you hear Atiku used the word Muslim and say ‘Wallahi, Talahi’, you know what is in his heart? “na lie I lie”. Anytime you hear Atiku say Wallahi Talahi, just reply him say, na lie you lie.”
“… The man who left here, he calls himself Peter Obi. We read in the Bible, that before cock crows 3 times, he will deny Jesus Christ. He denied, so how can he keep a promise to you if he cannot keep a promise to God.
“On 30/01/23 at 03:50 PM during the APC Presidential Rally in Akwa Ibom State, the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the following unfair comment against the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. Thus: “…Who rescued him from Obasanjo who wanted to roast him like Goat Meat?” Speaking against Emmanuel Udom, “he said “…That boy wey bring Atiku here, Wey dey call himself Governor tells him Enough is Enough, He lives in my backyard in Lagos if no be because we be one, I’ll drive him home…the biggest palace that he build I’ll just put lizard and pigeon and scorpion there if not because you begged me”.
The commission added that monitoring also indicated that TVC News does not give equal news coverage to other political parties in all their news.
By Ope Adeoye
In the bustling market of Bodija in Ibadan, you’ll find Mama Fola sitting under her umbrella stall, a ledger open beside her cooler of peppered ponmo and egusi. She’s not just a food seller — she’s also a long-time member of the Ire Ayo Traders Cooperative, a savings group that has supported women in the market for nearly 15 years.
Ope Adeoye
But until recently, that support came with a cost — not just in naira, but in time, energy, and emotional stress.
“Every week, our collection officer would walk stall to stall to collect our contributions,” Mama Fola says. “Sometimes we’d forget. Sometimes there was no change. And sometimes, we’d say ‘come back tomorrow’ — and she’d have to come back again.”
Across Nigeria, cooperative societies have long served as community lifelines — helping everyday people save money, access loans, and weather economic storms. But for all the good they do, many cooperatives still face one silent struggle: getting members to pay consistently, and on time.
And at a time when Nigeria is grappling with record inflation, currency devaluation, and reduced access to formal credit, the stakes have never been higher. If cooperatives — which serve as the main financial entry point for nearly half of adult Nigerians — cannot function efficiently, millions could be locked out of essential economic support.
In markets from Lagos to Kaduna, collection officers make daily rounds, send endless reminders, and often spend more time chasing payments than managing finances. This friction doesn’t just cause stress — it limits the ability of cooperatives to grow, plan, and include more members.
The high cost of missed contributions
For Ire Ayo, late payments weren’t just an annoyance — they were a structural challenge. Delays meant they couldn’t disburse loans on time. New members were limited, because it was too hard to track everyone. And when members dropped out, they rarely came back.
“People think running a cooperative is just about collecting money,” says Titilayo Adebayo, the society’s administrator. “But it’s really about trust. If members don’t pay, the group suffers. And if you’re always chasing people for money, that trust breaks down.”
A 2023 study by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) found that nearly 46% of adult Nigerians rely on informal financial groups like cooperatives. Yet many of these groups still operate with pen and paper, and struggle to scale or sustain their services.
A quiet shift: From reminders to reliability
In 2024, Titilayo introduced a small but significant change. After consulting with members and local tech partners, Ire Ayo moved to a direct debit system that allowed members to approve a one-time mandate for monthly contributions.
“I was skeptical at first,” she says. “Would members trust it? Would it work with all our banks?”
But within the first month, collection rates went up by 30%. Members started receiving debit alerts — without reminders, without awkward follow-ups. Contributions became predictable. And Titilayo? She finally had time to do more than chase money.
“Now, I help members plan how to use their savings. We’ve started financial literacy sessions. We’re even exploring group insurance.”
What automation unlocked
The benefits weren’t just operational. For members like Mama Fola, the system gave her dignity — and peace of mind.
“Sometimes I’d feel ashamed when I delayed payment,” she admits. “Now, the money goes quietly, and I feel proud that I’m still part of something.”
The cooperative also began welcoming younger traders, okada riders, and even diaspora members who wanted to support family members back home.
One of the tools the group used was PaywithAccount — a direct debit solution developed by Nigerian fintech company OnePipe, which allows businesses and organisations to securely pull payments from customer bank accounts with consent.
For cooperatives, this kind of tool isn’t about going digital for the sake of it. It’s about removing the friction that slows down their mission.
“We’re not trying to be a tech company,” Titilayo laughs. “We just want to help people save better, borrow responsibly, and build something together.”
Why this matters now
Cooperatives are the frontline institutions of Nigeria’s financial resilience — especially for people the formal banking sector still hasn’t reached.
In a country where small businesses account for over 80% of employment, and where trust in digital finance is still growing, making it easier for people to save and contribute consistently can have ripple effects. It can stabilise communities, fuel micro-enterprises, reduce reliance on predatory lending, and help millions move from survival to stability.
“When our people save better, they live better,” Titilayo reflects. “And when they live better, the economy can breathe.”
A new kind of progress
The shift may look like a technical adjustment — but in reality, it’s a quiet revolution. Not just in how people pay, but in how they build control, confidence, and collective progress.
It’s a reminder that financial inclusion doesn’t always mean big ideas or flashy innovations. Sometimes, it’s as simple — and powerful — as making it easier to pay what you already planned to.
And for cooperatives like Ire Ayo, that kind of ease is helping turn every contribution into something greater: a pathway to stability, dignity, and shared success.
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.
MTN Nigeria Drags 20 Banks to Court over N6Bn Debt by SleekChip
Manager, Others Arraigned for Allegedly Hacking into Premium Trust Bank’s Server
Africa Launches First Continental Space Agency
DBI Clocks 21, to Train 5m Workers
CAC, NIBSS Unveil Platform for Data Access to Private Firms
E-Financial2 days agoAccess Holdings Sets Benchmark in Fraud Prevention With ₦193.5Bn Tech Investment
E-Financial2 days agoMTN’s Digital Lending Arm Disburses $592m Loans in Q1
E-Financial2 days agoAccess Bank, Deloitte Partner to Equip SMEs with Tools for Growth
News2 days agoSERAP Asks Ojulari, NNPC CEO to Account for Missing N500Bn or Face Legal Action
E-Financial2 days agoFG Verifies 2m Households for Cash Transfer
E-Business2 days agoFG Launches Online Citizenship, Business Management Platform
Telecom2 days agoEquinix Expands Digital Footprint in Nigeria with Launch of LG2.3 Data Center
General News2 days agoNOTAP Urges South Eastern Entrepreneurs to Embrace Franchising as Business Model