NEWS
DStv Inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame and Named #1 Most Admired African Media Brand 2025
DStv, Africa’s leading entertainment platform, has been officially recognised as the #1 Most Admired African Media Brand in the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands 2025 rankings. This recognition also sees DStv inducted into the prestigious Brand Africa Hall of Fame, a distinction reserved for iconic African brands that have significantly shaped the continent’s global image and competitiveness over the years.
The announcement was made at a high-profile ceremony hosted at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, where leaders from across the African media and branding landscape gathered to honour the continent’s most impactful brands.
Launched in 1995, DStv has evolved from a digital satellite television pioneer into a content powerhouse, transforming the African viewing experience through continuous innovation, investment in local content, and a deep commitment to telling African stories.
“This honour reflects the incredible journey we’ve taken with our audiences across Africa. Being named Africa’s most admired media brand and joining the Brand Africa Hall of Fame is not just a celebration of where we’ve come from; it’s a reaffirmation of where we’re going. Our commitment to local storytelling, cultural authenticity, and innovation remains stronger than ever. We are proud to be a brand that not only entertains but uplifts and connects Africans through stories that matter.” States Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice.
Each year, the Brand Africa 100 survey identifies the most admired brands across the continent, based on independent research conducted in over 30 African countries, representing over 85% of Africa’s population and GDP, with more than 150,000 brand mentions and 5,930 unique brands. The rankings are compiled through a rigorous process led by research partners including GeoPoll, Kantar, Integrate, and Analysis, making it the only pan-African, research-led and non-commercial brand equity study of its kind.
DStv’s induction into the Hall of Fame further cements its position not just as a media brand, but as a cultural force that continues to shape narratives and inspire pride across Africa. Through its investments in local productions, partnerships with African creators, and focus on quality storytelling, DStv remains at the forefront of Africa’s growing creative economy.
DStv was also honoured with the same top recognition in 2024, reinforcing its consistent excellence and enduring connection with audiences across Africa. Since its launch 30 years ago with just 16 channels, DStv has evolved into a dynamic content powerhouse, offering a rich mix of local productions, global entertainment, and integrated streaming options. Today, it serves millions of households across the continent, delivering hundreds of channels and platforms that reflect the diversity, creativity, and aspirations of African viewers.
His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle involving three Honourable Commissioners as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery across the State.
Announcing the development, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, stated that the redeployment is aimed at strategically repositioning key Ministries for greater efficiency and effective implementation of the Administration’s Rescue Agenda.
The affected Commissioners are:
I. Hon. Abdulrahaman Tumbido, redeployed from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources;
II. Hon. Kasimu Yahya Kaura, redeployed from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; and
III. Hon. Tasiu Musa Shinkafi, redeployed from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The redeployment takes immediate effect.
Governor Lawal has directed the affected Commissioners to ensure a smooth transition and complete all necessary handing-over processes within one week.
The Governor further charged them to bring renewed vigour, dedication, and innovation to their new assignments, while remaining focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people of Zamfara State in line with the objectives of the Rescue Agenda.
In a significant boost to youth empowerment and alternative energy transportation, the Federal Government has officially commissioned a new Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, Zamfara State. The facility has already commenced operations with an inaugural cohort of 100 youths trained in mechatronics a specialized field combining mechanical and electronic engineering specifically focused on the repair of both petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles and motorcycles.The project was executed through a strategic partnership between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Zamfara State office of the Made in Nigeria Special Project. The initiative is designed to address two critical national challenges: rising youth unemployment and the need for a skilled workforce capable of maintaining the growing fleet of CNG-powered vehicles, which are being promoted as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol-only engines.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, hailed the centre as a transformative step forward. “This is not just about building a workshop; it is about building futures,” Governor Lawal stated. He emphasized that the centre aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation and economic diversification, while also reflecting his administration’s commitment to developing skilled manpower across the state. He noted that the focus on CNG technology is particularly timely, given the federal government’s push to lower transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.Reinforcing the federal perspective, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the government’s broader vision for the automotive sector. He highlighted that the Gusau centre is part of a nationwide strategy to expand Nigeria’s automotive industry through increased local production, the establishment of industrial hubs, and strategic partnerships with global investors. “We are moving from a culture of importing fully built vehicles to one where Nigerians design, assemble, and maintain our own transportation solutions,” Senator Enoh remarked. He added that mechatronics training is critical for the next generation of automotive engineers, who will be essential as the country transitions toward more sustainable fuel sources.Local community leaders and representatives of the trained youths expressed optimism about the initiative. For many of the graduates, the certification offers a viable pathway out of economic hardship, enabling them to set up their own repair workshops or gain employment in the formal automotive sector. The NADDC has indicated that similar training centres are being planned for other states, with the aim of creating a national network of CNG-compatible repair and maintenance hubs.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal names executive secretaries for two agencies, appoints ZACADEP coordinator
Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has approved the appointment of three qualified citizens to head two key state government agencies and a major development project. Disclosing the approval, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, said the appointments are aimed at strengthening the government’s ongoing reforms and service delivery initiatives in the areas of public health, agriculture, livestock development and community-based interventions. Dr. Muhammad Habibu Yelwa is appointed as the new Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse and Control Agency, while Dr. Usman Ismaila Gusau is named as the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Livestock Agency. Similarly, Governor Lawal has reappointed Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed Nakwada as the State Project Coordinator of the Zamfara State Agricultural and Community Development Project (ZACADEP). These appointments take immediate effect.Dr. Muhammad Habibu Yelwa is a seasoned medical practitioner and administrator with extensive experience across the health, social welfare and agricultural sectors. He has served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries and contributed to major policy and institutional reforms in the state. Dr. Usman Ismaila Gusau is a veterinary medicine specialist and public health expert with over twenty-five years of professional experience in veterinary services, epidemiology, livestock health management, and public sector administration. Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed Nakwada is an experienced agricultural development expert with decades of engagement in agricultural extension, project management, IFAD-supported programmes, and community development initiatives. He currently serves as State Project Coordinator for ISDB ZACADEP. Governor Lawal urged the appointees to deploy their knowledge, administrative experience, and sector-specific expertise to drive impactful development in their respective assignments, in line with his administration’s Rescue Agenda.
Governor Dauda Lawal Reshuffles Cabinet, Harps on Strengthening Governance Efficiency
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