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OPINION: Sanwo-olu really doesn’t give a hoot about LTV

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By Daniel Aladesehin (dannycrown@gmail.com)

In what appears like a full slap in the face, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu has for the umpteenth time demonstrated his nonchalance to the growth of Nigeria’s first state-owned television station which ordinarily should be his baby. This is despite repeated calls on him to give due attention to Lagos Television (LTV) which is his government’s only TV station.

His latest action of launching a so-called world-class film and television institute by the privately owned Ebony Life TV shows that indeed, the governor gives no hoot about the struggling Lagos Television LTV right there under his nose in Agidingbi.

According to report, the Academy which the governor enthusiastically launched, offers state-of-the-art lecture rooms, projection and sound facilities, as well as practical studio workshop spaces and post-production facilities fitted with latest technology to ensure cohorts have a conducive learning environment and advance their skillset.

If Mr Sanwo-olu is to take a cue from his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, he would have directed this same attention to LTV with the objective of giving a new lease of life to what was to be the pride of the state.

When the recently transited Alhaji Lateef Jakande mooted the idea of launching a TV station for the state, his mission was to create a brand that could be rallied as the primary source of audiovisual information and entertainment for the people of Lagos.

Besides being the mouthpiece of the government, LTV has over the years serenaded the Lagos community with bespoke contents, which many Lagos youngsters back then, including Sanwo-olu grew up with. Interesting programmes which particularly appealed to the grassroots and the middle class of the metropolis, were the order of the day on LTV back then. This, of course is possibly due to the fact that, competition was nearly non-existent as of then.

As of today however, that station is in a sorry state, particularly when measured with the ever-expanding competitive industry. No thanks to mismanagement in recent past and till today, wrongful composition of the workforce and the dilapidated state of the entire facility and equipment.

In his days as the chief executive of the state, Ambode made conscious efforts to reposition the station for the competitive Lagos market, albeit his advisors on such repositioning were not TV broadcast experts. Only jobbers who though, are journalists in their own right but never experts at TV business. You can’t blame the former governor, he was just an accountant and a TV viewer.

Ambode’s efforts which poached the likes of the multi-talented Oba Adeoye from Television Continental (TVC) and got the stations some new equipment plus a CNN training in United Kingdom (UK) for the staff, could not yield expected results before leaving office, due to the reasons highlighted above, and more. Some of the ex-governor’s immediate cabinet even cashed in on Ambode’s enthusiasm to reform LTV, to smuggle in some of their friends, without the governor’s knowledge or approval.

The rest, like they say, is history.

Expectedly therefore, one looked forward to a continuity of that effort by his successor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, but so far, it has been all disappointing, as far as Lagos Television was concerned.

Since his assumption of office as the state chief executive, Sanwo-olu has not deemed it fit, not even once to grace the station with an appearance on any of its programmes. Yet he junkets other private competitors across the state with ease at every given opportunity.

The state of the equipment at Lagos Television is another point of worry for those who understand the business of TV. Ordinarily this should also be a thing of worry to the governor but since he never visits the facility, there’s no way for him to know how outdated the equipment have been.

In the area of appointment, Mr. Governor needs to ensure that the right people are appointed to man strategic positions at the station. He needs to investigate the circumstances under which some of those who recently resigned, took their decisions. He should ask questions across the Industry but be wary about another set of jobbers who may want to feast on his resolve.

According to inside information, some of the directors who just left the station possess the prerequisite skills and expertise to fix it, but were stifled by needless bureaucracy and a workforce built on mere man-knows-man. The civil service structure as it is, is at variance with modern TV practice. Hence, there is a need for a review of that structure in the case of the TV station.

Rather than lavishing the state resources on the private TV enterprise (the Ebony Academy) in the guise of boosting creativity, Mr. Governor must roll up his sleeves and get serious with Lagos Television. He could have as well initiated such a programme on the platform of the public broadcaster (i.e LTV) with the objective of using such an initiative as Launchpad for the rebuilding process of LTV.

There is no time best for this process to start than now, as he is halfway into the completion of his 4-year tenure as governor. There is no assurance he will remain so, for another 4-years.

Aladesehin, a broadcaster writes from Ikorodu Lagos.

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Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community

…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment

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Governor Dapo Abiodun


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday declared state of emergency on the flooded  Isheri community,  in Ifo Local Government Area of the State, as he assured residents of the area quick intervention to save the situation.

The governor added  that a comprehensive assessment that would lead to permanent solution to the menace of  flooding in the affected area  would be conducted very soon.

Prince Abiodun, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the flooded community, said that his administration is working with the federal government to deal with the situation as an emergency case.

He noted that the time has come to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding to make the area morw conducive for living.

According to him, the state government will see to the elevation of some roads in the area as parts of the solutions to the problem.

The govenor said: “We will prioritize the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we are stepping this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the president. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.

“As an emergency, I will like to take it up myself. Please continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living.

“Whatever that assessment comes up with is what we are going to implement. So, we are going to first start with ensuring that we have the required road infrastructure at the appropriate levels.

“So if you now built in such a way that we need to relocate you, we have to do that. Whatever it is that we must do to ensure that place does not persistently experience flood, we will do it. But let us wait for the result of the studies to come back and then we will begin to take that decision as and when the situation arises.”

Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, Governor Abiodun said he has requested for an area survey of the entire estate to identify critical areas that needed immediately intervention.

He assured that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainages to mitigate their suffering.

“I want to assure you today, knowing fully well that we are a promise keeping administration, we do not say what we do not mean, my heart goes out to you, it is very unfortunate, I am giving my commitment today, the commissioner for works will come and see what needs to be done.

“We have also engage the Minister of State for the Environment, who fortunately, is from Ogun State and I have already brought this to his attention.

“Before the end of the week, I will also table it before the Vice President and the President as well so that we ensure that this problem gets all the desired attention and consequently gets the desired solution so we can bring this to an end,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that he and the Minister of Water Resources would visit the community in few days time.

“We will also discuss the issue of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and try and interrogate the activities there and understand how their activities affect this community and other communities with respect to the opening and closing of the dam,” he said.

The governor described the environment around the Kara cattle market as an eyesore and not befitting the dreams of a “new Ogun State”.

He said that the market was not conducive for human living and not in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals and waste disposal.

He, however, acknowledged the area as one of the biggest commercial operation that provide services to a large number of people, even as he assured that government would go into a satisfactory agreement with the market men and women after which a comprehensive beautification of the area would take place.

The Chairman, Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, in his remarks, intimated the governor of the suffering residents of the area are going through as a result of the flooding.

He said that there is a need for a panel of inquiry into the operations of Oyan Dam to stop incessant release of water to cause havoc in the State

He applauded the governor for sending miscreants packing from the road, saying residents of the axis have suffered robbery attacks and other criminalities for quite awhile.

Akande urged the state government to think of converting the area into a Government Residential Area (GRA) through Public Private Partnership arrangement to fast track its development.

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MediaTek, Airtel Nigeria intensify collaborative efforts to bolster mobile connectivity in Nigeria

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Airtel’s logo


Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023 – MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry together with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider, briefed the local media on Thursday on their collaborative efforts, to drive technological advancements and improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before.


Speaking during the session, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.
“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.”


“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.

In addition, he said, “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our MEA agenda, laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region.”


Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians. He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria”.


MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.


MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/

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Bigi Brand’s Annual “Watch & Win” Promo Returns with Grand Prizes

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The award-winning Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink brand, a product of Rite Foods Limited, is delighted to unveil her highly-anticipated fourth edition of its “Bigi Watch and Win” promo. Designed exclusively for movie enthusiasts in Lagos and Abuja, this exciting promo offers participants the opportunity to watch their favourite movies and win fantastic prizes.

From September 18, 2023, to November 18, 2023, movie goers can enjoy any film of their choice at Silverbird Cinemas and receive a raffle ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for a chance to win incredible prizes, including laptops, Bigi products, printers, perfumes, and more. The grand prize for this edition is a brand-new car.

The first edition of “Bigi Watch and Win” took place in 2021, and later that same year in December, the Bigi brand held another edition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, demonstrating Rite Foods Limited’s commitment to rewarding brand loyalty among its valued consumers.

Ms. Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed her excitement about the fourth edition of the promo, saying, “We’ve partnered with Silverbird Cinemas to enhance people’s movie-going experience. Movie lovers can enjoy any of our 13 Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink flavours while watching their favourite films and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.”

Ms. Aransiola also mentioned that her favourite part is witnessing participants’ reactions when they discover the incredible prizes they have won, particularly the grand prize—a brand-new car. She encourages potential participants to check @getbigi on all social media platforms for the terms and conditions.

Through the “Watch & Win” promo, the Bigi brand accentuates Rite Foods Limited’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry. The brand continues to sponsor movie premieres, as it has in the past with movies such as “The Prophetess,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” and “Aki and Pawpaw.” Additionally, it has been a consistent sponsor of the popular talent discovery platform, Nigerian Idol, for three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8), helping aspiring Nigerian singers achieve their dreams of stardom in the music industry.

The “Watch & Win” promo, combined with other effective marketing initiatives, has earned the Bigi brand numerous awards within its market segment. In 2023, Bigi Cola was honored with the “Best Value for Money” award at the BrandXchange Consumers Value Awards. In 2022, it received the “Fastest Growing Cola Brand of the Year” award at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos. The Bigi brand also claimed the “Most Outstanding CSD Brand of the Year” award at the 2021 Brandcom Awards, solidifying its position as a market leader in the beverage industry, outperforming its competitors.

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