Connect with us

Broadcasting

The Youth of Nigeria and the 2023 General Election

Published

on

Kindly share this post

By Ray Youssef, founder and CEO of Paxful,

Nigeria’s 2023 General Election is just around the corner. While political parties are currently rounding up campaigns as the election draws close, Nigerians are suffering amidst scarcity of cash, fuel and basic needs like electricity. It feels like everything is coming to a head on February 25th—where election day is expected to have record voter turnout.

I am proud to announce that on election day, I will be honoring my pledge to support those voting by supplying 15 vans that will drive throughout the Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan states to offer free phone charging, WiFi, and water. I am doing this in partnership with the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI), an international effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The YALI Network stands at over 700,000 youth strong and I am privileged to work with them to support the election.

We picked these specific states as they are expected to have high foot traffic and long lines on election day. Our goal is to support a positive atmosphere while voters take part in the democratic process where many people rely on their phones to stay connected and informed. We want to keep people hydrated and comfortable—as long lines at polling stations can be grueling.

The 2023 General Election in Nigeria is a pivotal moment for the country. In a region seeping with natural resources and a strong, growing youth population, Nigeria faces economic uncertainty—inflation is over 20%, people are struggling with the cost of living, and Nigeria is experiencing a “brain drain” of doctors, nurses, and engineers. At least 50 doctors leave Nigeria every week to work abroad.

This is why the youth of Nigeria believe that this election will define the future of the country. These young people make up around 40% of voters and their future is riding on this election. Their political appetite matches up with what I am seeing and hearing on the ground.

While I am not native to Nigeria, I am a proud African, born on the continent. I have been fortunate enough to frequently visit this special country and meet with its people. I do this on behalf of Paxful, the company I founded whose mission is to end economic apartheid through peer-to-peer finance and Bitcoin—and with the Built With Bitcoin Foundation, my non-profit which has built and renovated twelve schools and education centers using Bitcoin.

People on the ground are ready for change and financial prosperity. That’s why we’ve seen so many people turn to Bitcoin, as it allows everyday people, including the unbanked, to easily pay a bill or simply remit vital funds to a loved one.

Bitcoin is the signal for change and if any country is more capable—it’s Nigeria. The country has the largest population of youth in the world, with a median age of around 18 years—70% of its people are under 30 years old.

This is their time. They love their home and want to see it thrive. We all do. I truly believe that Nigeria is leading Africa (and the world) into a financial golden age and this could be a moment that brings us closer to that prosperous future.

I know that my donation of water, charging and WiFi will only impact a fraction of the millions of voters. But I’m pushing forward to stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria. You are warriors at heart, with entrepreneurship baked into your DNA—and I cannot see what change you bring on election day.

Make we jam for Naija.


Kindly share this post

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Broadcasting

How to Beat DStv Price Increase with ‘Price Lock’ Feature

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In today’s fast-paced world, where every penny counts, finding ways to save on essential services is more important than ever. And as part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, DStv has reiterated its “Price Lock” feature.

DStv Price lock

This is in response to the upcoming tariff increase, which the company understands may impose some financial strain on its valued customers.

What exactly does the “Price Lock” feature entail? The “Price Lock” feature offers customers the opportunity to retain their subscriptions at the current rate for 12 months.

To use the “Price Lock” feature, customers simply need to renew their subscriptions before the due date each month, ensuring uninterrupted access to their favourite DStv content at the current rate for the next 12 months.

But here’s the catch: only customers with an active subscription by the 30th of April qualify for this offer, when the tariff adjustment comes into effect.

Make sure you don’t miss the price lock offer! Simply download the MyDStv or MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, upgrade, or set up Auto-Renewal.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

OJI Demands Ban on Netflix, TikTok, Others over Same-Sex Content

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Civil Society Organisation (CSO) under the auspices of Open Justice Initiative (OJI), has threatened to drag the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to court if it fails to ban Netflix, TikTok, and others over the alleged broadcast of offensive same-sex content on Nigeria’s airwaves.

OJI Demands Ban on Netflix, TikTok, Others over Same-Sex Content

The CSO, also urged NBC to ban other social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, etc with regard to the subject matter.

Donald Ayibiowu, lawyer and programme officer of OJI, gave the warning in a letter addressed to Mr. Charles Ebuebu, director-general of the NBC.

The certified true copy of the letter titled: “Need to ban and bar the continuous broadcast of offensive same-sex contents on Nigeria’s airwaves by Netflix and other specialised broadcast outlets”, made available to newsmen in Abuja, was received by the Commission on April 23, 2024.

The letter said, “We write to draw the esteem attention of your commission to some obnoxious and repugnant same-sex contents being aired or transmitted by some broadcast outfits operating within the Nigeria broadcast space, which platforms includes Netflix and some social media entities.

“These abhorrent contents being campaigned about borders on the promotion of amorous relationships between persons of same sex on the said platforms.

“We received complaints on this topic from well-meaning Nigerians and religious organisations and further discovered that the broadcast contents/materials on these platforms are laced with embedded scenes/episodes where same-sex relationships are practically being propagated.

“We also conducted research on some social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter (X), Facebook (Meta), etc with regards to this subject, and found same hazardous and illegal same-sex content being promoted and transmitted.

“It is clear that there is an agenda to surreptitiously lure the unsuspecting young population of this country to this satanic habit/lifestyle of same-sex practice in Nigeria by subtly introducing same through entertainment and showbiz industry, albeit through the airwaves.

“It is now commonplace to see some of these illegal contents being conveyed on social media and specialised platforms in Nigeria.

“We wish to point out that these contents are clearly being aired or transmitted in contravention of our extant laws such as Sections 4(2) and 5(2} of the Same-Sex Mariage (Prohibition) Act, 2013,” he said.

The lawyer said the act being subtly propagated and promoted via the mediums was targeted at destroying the moral fibre and rectitude, erode, dislodging and polluting the society with unacceptable inhuman values.

He said it was also to erode the age-long cultural practices and sacred religious belief system of male and female gender only as created by God Almighty.

Ayibiowu said, that if the commission failed to block, restrict or scrap the same-sex promotional material/contents from Nigeria airwaves, “we shall proceed to seek further redress in pursuit of our goal of saner Nigeria airwaves”.

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

FCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has promised to review recent price increases in MultiChoice cable subscriptions to ensure subscribers in Nigeria get value for their money.

FCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike

Recall that the leading pay TV operator, recently announced increase in the subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages by at least 25 per cent.

Multichoice announced the increase in tarrifs in a message sent to subscribers on Wednesday and said that the new regime will be effective May 1.

The company stated this in the statement signed by John Ugbe, chief executive officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’

The pay-TV firm cited the rise in the cost of business operations as the rationale behind the price increase.

The company said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.

“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”

But Adamu Abdullahi, acting chief executive officer, FCCPC, in a chat with Channels Television on its Dateline Abuja programme on Thursday, provided an update on the summons issued to the owner of a Chinese store in Abuja accused of discriminatory and sharp practices.

He also commented on the adherence to the order given to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, stating that sanctions are imminent for all verified infractions identified by the agency.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending