After dinner is ready and you can smell that hot jollof rice and turkey from the kitchen, what the family really wants is to find a show that fits the moment perfectly. Because nothing beats enjoying a delicious meal and watching a great show together. GOtv understands this vibe and will give you shows that help you step down that steamy jollof.

Take Hustle on Africa Magic Family channel 7, follows Dayo, a young man chasing big dreams in Lagos, only to meet the chaos of city life, nosy neighbours, a tough landlady, and a shady but loyal roommate. It is perfect for family viewing, it sparks laughter and conversations about ambition, survival, and the Lagos hustle everyone can relate to.

Then there’s Speed is the New Black on Discovery Family, channel 37. More than just fast cars and racing, it’s about teamwork, determination, and cheering each other on values that resonate deeply in many homes. It’s a fun way to connect over shared excitement and dreams.

When it’s time to unwind with music and joy, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! on Movie Room Africa channel 51, brings energy and smiles that everyone can enjoy. Singing along or simply enjoying the rhythm helps families relax and celebrate together.

For the little ones, Wandi & Kabz on Disney Channel channel 92, offers lighthearted adventures that entertain and inspire, giving parents a chance to relax while still sharing in the fun.

And when the family is in the mood for a bit of drama and glamour, Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! Channel 36, offers entertaining stories that remind us all that every family has its unique moments, some funny, some heartfelt, but all worth sharing.

So, next time that jollof is steaming on the table and the turkey’s ready, trust GOtv to bring shows that turn family dinners into special moments filled with connection, laughter, and love. And to make sure you never miss out on these shared moments, simply renew your GOtv subscription or upgrade your package via the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. On the move? No problem, just stream your favourite shows anytime, anywhere with the GOtv Stream App.

By Victor Benjamin, West / South South Director, YP4T

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards providing adequate shelter for its burgeoning population. The stark reality of a 20 million unit housing deficit casts a long shadow, impacting not just individual well-being but also the nation’s socio-economic progress. Recognising the urgency and scale of this challenge, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a comprehensive and ambitious strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, placing affordable housing within reach for millions of Nigerians. This multi-pronged approach, spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative and bolstered by innovative financing mechanisms, offers a beacon of optimism in a sector long plagued by systemic obstacles.

For too long, the dream of homeownership has remained elusive for a significant portion of the Nigerian populace. Several interconnected challenges have contributed to this protracted crisis. Sky-high property prices, often driven by land speculation and exorbitant construction costs, place housing far beyond the reach of average citizens. Compounding this issue is the underdeveloped state of the mortgage market. Access to long-term, affordable financing remains limited, with high interest rates and stringent eligibility criteria effectively excluding a vast majority of potential homeowners. The informal nature of a significant portion of the economy further complicates matters, as many individuals lack the formal employment and consistent income streams often required by traditional mortgage lenders.  

Furthermore, infrastructural deficits across the country exacerbate the housing problem. Inadequate road networks, unreliable power supply, and limited access to clean water and sanitation not only make new developments more expensive but also detract from the quality of life in existing residential areas. The bureaucratic hurdles and complexities associated with land titling and approvals also contribute to delays and increased costs for developers, ultimately impacting affordability for buyers.  

Against this backdrop of formidable challenges, the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative emerges as a significant and potentially transformative intervention. Its three core components – the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and the Renewed Hope Cities – are strategically designed to cater to different segments of the population and leverage diverse funding models.  

The Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, with its ambitious goal of constructing 100 units in each of the 774 local government areas within a year of launch, directly addresses the needs of the most vulnerable. By earmarking 80% of these homes for local residents earning a living wage, with monthly contributions capped at a third of their income, the program prioritises affordability and accessibility for low-income earners. The allocation of the remaining 20% to the most vulnerable citizens, free of charge, underscores a commitment to social inclusion and providing a safety net for those most in need. The inclusion of essential amenities like schools, clinics, and security outposts within these estates further enhances their liveability and fosters community development.  

The Renewed Hope Housing Estates, targeting state capitals with a plan to build 250 units in each of the 30 states, represent a crucial step towards providing more affordable housing options in urban centers. Leveraging government budgetary allocations, infrastructure subsidies, and free land from state governments allows for significantly lower pricing, with one-bedroom apartments ranging between N8 million and N9 million. This initiative aims to bridge the gap for individuals and families with modest incomes who aspire to homeownership in urban areas.  

The Renewed Hope Cities, developed through Public-Private Partnerships in seven strategic locations, tap into private sector expertise and capital to deliver large-scale housing projects. While the resulting prices are higher, reflecting the private developers’ investment in land and infrastructure, these cities are expected to offer a wider range of housing options and contribute significantly to reducing the overall housing deficit. The ongoing construction of 3,500 units in Lagos and Kano demonstrates the tangible progress being made under this component.  

Complementing these direct housing programs is the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a critical enabler for sustainable and affordable housing finance. The successful pilot fundraising, securing N250 billion, underscores the confidence of institutional investors in this innovative approach. MREIF’s ability to provide long-term, low-cost mortgage financing at interest rates as low as 12% with extended repayment tenors up to 20 years directly tackles one of the most significant barriers to homeownership in Nigeria. Furthermore, by offering off-take guarantees to developers, MREIF helps de-risk large-scale projects and unlock crucial financing. The integration of MREIF with commercial banks, mortgage providers, and developers promises to create a more robust and efficient housing finance ecosystem.  

The vision underpinning the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative is one of a Nigeria where decent and affordable housing is not a privilege but a right accessible to all citizens. By adopting a multi-pronged approach that addresses the diverse needs of the population and leverages both public and private sector resources, the government aims to not only bridge the housing deficit but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster social stability. Empowering low-income earners with affordable housing options can improve their quality of life, provide a foundation for wealth building, and contribute to a more equitable society. Similarly, enabling middle-income families to access affordable mortgages can unlock their economic potential and contribute to overall national development.

While the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative holds immense promise, its success will hinge on effective implementation, transparency, and sustained commitment. Addressing the underlying challenges of land administration, infrastructure development, and bureaucratic efficiency will be crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of these programs. Nevertheless, the bold vision and the comprehensive strategy embodied in the Renewed Hope Agenda offer a renewed sense of optimism that Nigeria is finally embarking on a transformative journey towards housing its citizens and building a more prosperous and inclusive future.

The federal government has announced the creation of a high-level committee to streamline and standardise fee payment processes across the country’s tertiary institutions.This move aims to enhance financial operations between Nigerian universities and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with vice-chancellors of universities and NELFUND management.Addressing the media, Alausa said that while universities had been receiving funds promptly, there was a pressing need to improve the timelines and efficiency of disbursement and notification processes.He clarified that there was no fraud in NELFUND, contrary to earlier speculations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).“The current processes are working, but we are working to better the system we have now.“The aim is to serve both NELFUND and our citizens more efficiently, and align with the broader agenda of the current administration,” he said.Alausa revealed that one of the major decisions reached during the meeting was the formation of a committee comprising representatives from NELFUND, the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and key university officials.According to him, the committee’s primary task will be to standardise the nomenclature for student fees and charges across universities.He explained that while the actual fee amounts might differ by institution, all universities would be required to adopt uniform terminology to ensure transparency.“The committee will determine and publish standard timelines for when NELFUND will disburse funds and when universities must notify students,” he added.Responding to questions about discrepancies between student fees and what NELFUND pays, Alausa attributed the differences to varying service charges by institutions.He said the committee would create a clear framework for fee components to eliminate confusion and ensure accurate disbursements.“Universities will disclose service charges upfront to avoid misunderstandings in refunded amounts,” he noted.The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to a holistic and student-focused approach to managing educational funding.The committee has been given three weeks to submit its report.After the submission, the finalised guidelines for standardising fee payments across tertiary institutions will be made public.