Broadcasting
Okocha Becomes “33” Export Ambassador

It is an exciting period for football lovers in the country as the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021, kicks off in Cameroon today after it was postponed in 2021. One more reason for true fans of the game to be excited is the signing of Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles Captain Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha as brand ambassador for “33” Export Lager Beer.

L-R: Rex Anthony Anieke; Brand Manager, “33” Export Lager; Aishat Anaekwe, Senior Brand Manager, “33” Export Lager; Austin Okocha, Brand Ambassador, “33” Export Lager; Funsho Ayeni, National Trade Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc; during the official unveiling of Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha as the brand ambassador for “33” Export Lager Beer In Lagos, Recently.
The midfield maestro is arguably one of the most loved sports heroes in the country and brought joy to many homes during his time as an active footballer with his exciting style of play.
As the official beer partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), “33” Export has been drumming up support for the Super Eagles ahead of the AFCON tournament and this move is in line with that.
Commenting on the signing, Aishat Anaekwe, Senior Brand Manager, “33” Export Lager, said “we are excited that Jay Jay Okocha is joining us as a Brand Ambassador just before the AFCON and going into a football year. We know how much Nigerians love football and their footballers and we want this to add to the excitement of the tournament. Celebrating past heroes is also one way to encourage the present squad to go for glory and we believe this signing would truly inspire them.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria find themselves in Group D where they will face seven-time winners of the tournament, the Pharaohs of Egypt and in-form striker Mohammed Salah. The Desert Hawks of Sudan are no pushover themselves having won the tournament once in the past and coming into this one quite strong. The Eagles have never met the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau at the international level and hopefully, there are no unpleasant surprises.
After a painful loss at the semi-finals of the 2019 AFCON via a Riyad Mahrez freekick in the final minutes of the game, the Super Eagles went on to win the third-place match against Tunisia. This time around, the Super Eagles are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and the veteran has backed them to have a decent showing this time around. In his words,
“I believe we have a decent squad that should have a great outing at the tournament. We alone are the obstacles we need to overcome. With the right support from the fans and partners like “33”, everything is possible. We really can be super together.”
Broadcasting
FG Withdraws Case against MultiChoice after Settlement

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has withdrawn its criminal case against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its top executives after both parties reportedly reached an amicable settlement.
Recall that the FCCPC and MultiChoice have been at odds for months since the pay-TV operator hiked the pricing of its DStv and GOtv services in March.
The FCCPC then summoned the company to explain the rationale for the increases and submit supporting papers, after which it said MultiChoice failed to comply.
Viewing this as a violation of the FCCPC Act’s regulatory directives, the Commission filed a seven-count criminal lawsuit accusing MultiChoice and several of its top officials of hindering investigations and failing to comply with summons.
Nonetheless, the parties informed Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that they had reached an amicable agreement, bringing the legal dispute to a conclusion.
Daniel Amadi, lawyer to the FCCPC, informed the court that a notice of withdrawal had been filed on August 16, following the resolution of all outstanding issues.
With no objections from the defence, Justice Omotosho dismissed the case, effectively ending the proceedings.
The commission underlined that compliance and transparency are still critical for sustaining trust between firms and regulators in Nigeria’s consumer market.
Broadcasting
FG-backed mortgage reforms help over 700 Nigerians become homeowners in 6 months

More than 700 Nigerians have successfully transitioned from renters to homeowners within six months, following the implementation of landmark mortgage reforms spearheaded by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
The milestone, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s housing sector, which has long faced challenges including high interest rates, limited financing options, slow mortgage processing, and a housing deficit exceeding 28 million units.
Central to this transformation is the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered ₦1 trillion fund designed to provide long-term, affordable mortgages to ordinary Nigerians.
The fund offers interest rates as low as 9.75 percent per annum and repayment periods of up to 20 years, making homeownership more accessible than ever.
At full utilization, MREIF aims to enable at least 12,000 Nigerians to own homes, with additional refinancing support planned through the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company.
For decades, many Nigerians have been trapped in a cycle of rent payments, often described as “funding their landlord’s retirement.” Now, with MREIF, homebuyers can secure loans and move into their own homes within weeks.
Since its launch, MREIF has disbursed funds to over 700 homebuyers through 11 Eligible Financial Institutions across five regions of the country.
These institutions, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and preapproved by MREIF, include Abbey Mortgage Bank, Access Bank, AG Mortgage Bank, FCMB, FHA Mortgage Bank, Gateway Mortgage Bank, Globus Bank, Homebase Mortgage Bank, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Living Trust Mortgage Bank, Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Union Bank. Each mortgage represents a family moving from rent into ownership, building equity, stability, and generational wealth.
The Federal Government committed ₦150 billion under Series 1 funding, fully subscribed in December 2024, while private sector investors added another ₦100 billion under Series 2. Additional tranches could scale the fund to ₦1 trillion, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The fund is professionally managed by ARM Investment Managers, with a structure anchored in public–private collaboration to ensure affordability, transparency, and efficiency.
Wale Odutola, CEO of ARM HoldCo, said MREIF embodies the kind of partnership Nigeria has long needed—government resolve combined with private sector rigour.
He added that together with MOFI, they are laying the structural foundation for a housing sector that rewards citizens, unlocks investor confidence, and drives inclusive growth.
Beyond individual mortgages, MREIF also offers offtake guarantees to developers, encouraging new construction projects, creating jobs, and strengthening the housing supply chain. Nigerians in the diaspora now have a transparent, government-backed platform to invest in secure homeownership.
Despite challenges such as inflation, forex volatility, and high construction costs, MREIF’s long-term financing model is designed to withstand economic shocks. As more financial institutions, pension funds, and developers join the initiative, thousands more Nigerians—both at home and abroad—are expected to benefit.
The message is clear: the era of affordable homeownership has arrived in Nigeria. With Federal Government backing and private sector management, MREIF is not just a housing scheme—it is a national economic reform poised to reshape lives and communities across the country.
Broadcasting
5 Exciting Highlights to Expect at PodFest Naija 2025

By Terry Kunle
Nigeria’s first-ever podcast festival is almost here, and it promises to be a cultural moment you won’t want to miss. From powerful voices to vibrant experiences, 40 storytellers, six stages, one innovation session, two live podcasts, one masterclass, the unveiling of the next big podcaster, cultural showcases, and brand activations.
Here are five reasons this first-of-its-kind festival deserves a spot on your calendar:
1. 40+ Storytellers Taking the Stage
Get ready for an incredible lineup of Nigeria’s most influential voices. From Chude Jideonwo and Seun Okinbaloye to Tunde Onakoya, Adaora Mbelu, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Rufai Oseni, and many more, the festival brings together podcasters, creators, and cultural icons who are shaping conversations across the nation. Expect powerful storytelling, fresh perspectives, and voices that inspire.
2. Live Podcast Shows You Can Experience in Person
PodFest Naija brings your favorite shows to life. Watch live podcast recordings happen in real-time, engage with hosts and guests, and be part of the audience that shapes these conversations. It’s podcasting like you’ve never experienced before.
3. Brand Activations and Interactive Experiences
Major brands including Coca-Cola, Sterling Bank, UAC Foods, Bet9ja, Crown Flour Mills, and others are creating immersive activations throughout the venue. Explore interactive booths, participate in brand experiences, and discover how storytelling intersects with innovation and business.
4. Gifts, Freebies, and Exclusive Surprises
Who doesn’t love free stuff? PodFest Naija is packed with giveaways, freebies, and surprise gifts for attendees throughout the day. From branded merchandise to special goodies from sponsors, there’s something for everyone who shows up ready to celebrate stories.
5. A Thriving Community of Creators and Podcast Lovers
PodFest Naija isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Connect with 1,500+ storytellers, creators, brands, and podcast enthusiasts who share your passion. Network, collaborate, and be part of a community that’s shaping the future of podcasting and storytelling in Nigeria.
Important: Free Entry, But First Come, First Served!
PodFest Naija 2025 is completely FREE to attend, but space is limited. With expected attendance of 1,500 people, you’ll need to arrive early to secure your spot at Harbour Point. If the venue reaches capacity, don’t worry—you can still join the action virtually and experience the festival from wherever you are.
PodFest Naija 2025 takes place on Friday, October 10, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. Don’t just hear about it, be part of the story.
Terry Kunle is the media manager, AT3 Resources
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