Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Launches FreeTV Platform in Abuja, Promises Over 100 Free Channels Nationwide
New digital service allows Nigerians to access news, sports, and local content without monthly fees; NBC says initiative will boost jobs and digital inclusion
New digital service allows Nigerians to access news, sports, and local content without monthly fees; NBC says initiative will boost jobs and digital inclusion
The Federal Government has formally launched FreeTV, a digital television platform offering Nigerians access to over 100 free channels, at an event in Abuja on Tuesday, June 17. The service forms part of the ongoing Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme aimed at transitioning the country from analogue to digital broadcasting.
According to officials present at the unveiling, FreeTV enables households across Nigeria to view a wide range of content—including news, sports, movies, educational programming and indigenous language channels—without paying monthly subscription fees. Viewers can access the platform through compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders connected to their existing television sets or via the FreeTV mobile app on smartphones. Satellite and terrestrial signals have also been made available nationwide.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) stated that FreeTV is designed to promote digital inclusion by ensuring that people in both urban and rural areas, regardless of income or location, can benefit from improved broadcasting technology. The commission emphasised that the initiative is expected to stimulate job creation within Nigeria’s media and creative sectors by supporting local content production and expanding opportunities for broadcast professionals.
Officials explained that regional production centres have already been established in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin City. These hubs are tasked with driving content development and are projected to generate employment for producers, editors, camera operators and technicians as Nigeria continues its shift towards a fully digital broadcasting ecosystem.
The federal government reiterated that users do not need to purchase new television sets if they already own compatible decoders. Authorities encouraged Nigerians to check their devices for compatibility as preparations continue for the final analogue switch-off scheduled for December 31, 2028. The NBC called on citizens nationwide to take advantage of the new platform as part of broader efforts to modernise broadcasting and improve information access across all regions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Davido Slams Kano Singer Rarara Over Criticism of World Cup Performance
Rarara alleges Davido’s protest at FIFA event endangered kidnap victims; debate sparks reactions across entertainment industry
Rarara alleges Davido’s protest at FIFA event endangered kidnap victims; debate sparks reactions across entertainment industry
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has fired back at Kano-based musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara after being criticised for highlighting Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ceremonies. The dispute, which emerged on Monday, has drawn attention to how artists use international platforms to address national issues.
The controversy started after Rarara publicly accused Davido of exposing Nigeria’s internal security challenges by referencing ongoing kidnappings in his stage outfit at the global football event. Rarara alleged that such actions could put the lives of kidnapped victims in danger by drawing global scrutiny to sensitive security matters.
Davido’s decision to spotlight the kidnapping crisis comes amid rising concerns over abductions, especially in northern states like Kano. His move has been interpreted by some as a call for urgent action, while others, like Rarara, see it as damaging to Nigeria’s image abroad. Entertainment stakeholders say Nigerian artists have increasingly used their platforms to demand accountability from government on issues ranging from insecurity to social welfare.
Speaking in response, Rarara said: “What Davido exhibited was crude behaviour. How can you go and expose Nigeria’s secrets to the world?” He argued that such public protests could make negotiations for kidnapped victims more difficult and endanger those still in captivity. As at press time, Davido had not issued a formal statement but responded through social media channels dismissing the criticism and defending his artistic choices.
Observers note that debates around celebrity activism are likely to intensify as more Nigerian artists gain global recognition. Analysts also caution that balancing advocacy with national interest will remain a complex issue for performers representing Nigeria on international stages.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/davido-slams-rarara-over-world-cup-performance-criticism/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ondo Police Arrest Suspect After 18-Month-Old Beheaded in Idanre Farm Attack
Father of slain child urges Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice as police confirm arrest
Father of slain child urges Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice as police confirm arrest
An 18-month-old toddler was killed and beheaded by an unidentified assailant at Agoti farm settlement in Idanre Local Council Area of Ondo State, with the incident reported a few days ago. The attack, which also left the child’s mother injured, occurred when the suspect invaded the family’s residence within the farm community.
According to local accounts, the father of the victim, Bright Kalu—a peasant farmer from Abia State—was working on a separate farmland at the time of the incident. Upon returning, he discovered that his daughter had been abducted and later found dead with her head severed. The mother was reportedly attacked during the ordeal but survived with injuries.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and heightened concerns about security in rural settlements across Ondo State. Cases of violent attacks targeting farming communities have been a persistent issue in parts of South-West Nigeria, prompting calls for enhanced security measures from stakeholders and local leaders.
Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the gruesome killing. Police authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and whether others may be involved. Meanwhile, Bright Kalu has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and relevant security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, urging human rights organisations to intervene on behalf of bereaved families like his.
The police assured residents that patrols would be increased around farm settlements in Idanre LGA while investigations continue. The state government is expected to meet with community leaders in coming days to address rising concerns about rural safety.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Alerts on Rising Drug Shipments Through Motor Parks in Kwara, Lagos and Abuja
Kwara NDLEA Commander urges corporate bodies to join anti-drug efforts as traffickers exploit commercial buses and SUVs
Kwara NDLEA Commander urges corporate bodies to join anti-drug efforts as traffickers exploit commercial buses and SUVs
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has raised alarm over the increasing use of motor parks in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and other cities as major points for drug shipments into Kwara State. Commander Fatima Abiola Popoola made this disclosure on Tuesday in Ilorin during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholder conference with the theme: “the world Drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses.”
Popoola stated that most illicit drug dealers operating in Kwara obtain their supplies from Lagos, Oyo, Abuja and other locations by using commercial bus operators. She explained that tracking these illegal shipments is often difficult because some drivers are allegedly financially induced and deliberately avoid security checkpoints. “Some of these drivers, after collecting money from traffickers, will go out of their way to dodge our checks,” Popoola said at the event.
According to the NDLEA commander, the situation has become more complex as some peddlers have started using tinted SUV vehicles to transport banned substances across state lines. She noted that the ongoing challenges underscore the need for a multi-sectoral response involving both public institutions and private sector partners.
Popoola commended the MTN Foundation for its support of anti-drug initiatives and called on other corporate organisations to emulate this commitment. “Unless more companies join hands with us like MTN Foundation is doing now, Nigeria may not come out of this problem,” she added.
The NDLEA’s warning comes as stakeholders at the conference discussed innovative ways to tackle substance abuse among Nigerian youths. The agency reiterated its commitment to clamp down on drug trafficking networks but stressed that community involvement and corporate participation remain key to lasting progress.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/motor-parks-now-points-of-drug-shipments-ndlea/
Forget Pele — Ronaldo Backs Messi as Football’s True GOAT in Shocking Claim
Davido Slams Kano Singer Rarara Over Criticism of World Cup Performance
Ronaldo Faces Pressure as Portugal Prepare for DR Congo Test After Messi’s Heroics
Gọvanmentị Federal Kwupụtara Nchekwa Nnyocha Iwu Ọhụrụ Maka Itinye Ego Mba Ọzọ
Ondo Police Arrest Suspect After 18-Month-Old Beheaded in Idanre Farm Attack
NDLEA Alerts on Rising Drug Shipments Through Motor Parks in Kwara, Lagos and Abuja
Lagos Health Experts Recommend Bananas to Ease Menstrual Pain, Cite Research on Nutrient Benefits
Federal Government Launches FreeTV Platform in Abuja, Promises Over 100 Free Channels Nationwide
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Oshiomhole Denies Forgery of Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Saga
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FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
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