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Federal Government to Launch Free Digital TV Platform for Nigerians in June

Initiative aims to boost public access to information and entertainment; rollout scheduled for major cities first

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Initiative aims to boost public access to information and entertainment; rollout scheduled for major cities first

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a free digital television platform for residents across Nigeria, with the launch set for June 2026. The project, which will begin in selected major cities before expanding nationwide, is expected to provide millions of Nigerians with greater access to news, educational content and entertainment at no cost.

According to details released on Wednesday, the new digital television service forms part of government’s efforts to bridge the information gap and promote digital inclusion. The rollout will prioritise urban centres in its initial phase, targeting communities that currently have limited or expensive access to quality television programming.

Officials say the move is significant for Nigeria’s digital economy drive. With many households struggling with rising costs of pay-TV subscriptions and limited options on terrestrial platforms, the free service could ease the financial burden on families while supporting government’s broader goals of media democratisation. It also comes at a time when many Nigerians are demanding more affordable ways to stay informed about national developments.

Although full details of the implementation plan are yet to be disclosed, authorities have indicated that collaboration with private sector partners and local broadcasters will be key. The government also noted that technical standards will align with international best practices. No opposition statement or industry reaction was available as at press time.

Government expects the first phase of the project to go live by June 2026. Further updates on coverage areas and access procedures are anticipated in coming weeks as preparations continue.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888356-nigeria-to-launch-free-digital-television-platform-for-residents.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos-Based BOOLDO Launches Betting Offers Platform, Moves Away From Predictions

New service aggregates bookmakers’ promotions, aims to give Nigerian punters more transparency and control over betting choices

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New service aggregates bookmakers’ promotions, aims to give Nigerian punters more transparency and control over betting choices

BOOLDO, a Lagos-based platform targeting sports betting enthusiasts, has unveiled a new online service that collects and displays betting offers and promotions from multiple bookmakers in one location. The launch took place on Monday, 17 June 2026, with the aim of providing Nigerian users a clearer overview of available betting options without relying on predictions or rankings.

According to BOOLDO management, the platform is designed for users who want to make informed decisions about where to place their bets by reviewing current bonuses and special offers from different operators. Unlike many existing betting sites that publish tips or rank bookmakers, BOOLDO presents all available options side by side, allowing users to compare offers without jumping between multiple websites or social media posts.

Industry observers note that the approach could appeal to Nigerian bettors seeking more transparency in a market often dominated by bold predictions and selective lists. “A ranking can be useful, but it can also hide the bigger picture,” BOOLDO stated at the launch, adding that their focus is on showing all possible offers rather than directing users toward particular bookmakers.

BOOLDO’s management explained that while predictions can be helpful, they are still guesses and often become outdated before matches end. The platform instead highlights tangible elements such as bookmaker name, type of promotion, headline value and basic offer details—factors users can assess before making any decision. “Offers are things users can actually review before they act,” the company said.

While BOOLDO’s founders acknowledge that no service can eliminate risk from betting, they maintain that their solution gives Nigerian punters a better starting point by reducing guesswork and noise in the market. The company has encouraged interested users to visit booldo.com/ng to view the full range of live offers. As at press time, there were no official reactions from major sportsbook operators or industry regulators regarding the launch.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/booldo-less-guesswork-more-betting-offers-2026061710103930807

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kogi High Court Sentences Kidnapper to Death for Killing Hotel Proprietor After ₦2.5m Ransom

Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers

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Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers

A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death after finding him guilty of kidnapping and killing his neighbour, Uche Andrew Offo, even after collecting a ₦2.5 million ransom from the victim’s family. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Abdul Nicodemus Awulu, marking another major conviction for the Department of State Services (DSS) in its anti-kidnapping operations.

According to court proceedings, Halilu and members of his gang stormed Everready Hotel in the Angwa-Tiv area of Obajana on 23 March 2023, abducting Offo who was the proprietor. Despite negotiating and collecting ₦2.5 million from Offo’s relatives, the kidnappers went ahead to kill their victim. The DSS investigation led to Halilu’s arrest and subsequent arraignment on charges including conspiracy and kidnapping, contrary to Sections 12, 6(1), and 4(3)(a) of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.

The court found that the prosecution provided compelling evidence linking Halilu to both the abduction and murder. Justice Awulu imposed the death sentence as stipulated by law for such offences in Kogi State. This ruling comes just a day after a Katsina State High Court also sentenced a female arms courier arrested by the DSS to death, highlighting what observers describe as a series of courtroom successes for Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.

The spate of convictions follows a Federal High Court judgment on 3 June 2026, where four persons were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Security experts say these recent judgments signal a firmer stance by Nigerian courts against violent crimes linked to kidnapping and terrorism.

There was no immediate statement from Halilu’s legal representatives or family as at press time. The DSS has not issued an official comment following the verdict. Legal analysts note that while appeals remain open under Nigerian law, such capital convictions are expected to serve as deterrents amid rising concern over insecurity across North-Central Nigeria.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-hands-down-death-penalty-to-kidnapper-in-kogi/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Cape Verde’s Josimar Dias Gains Over 11 Million Followers in 2 Days After Viral Performance

40-year-old footballer’s social media surge follows standout display, sparking wide interest across Africa and beyond

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40-year-old footballer’s social media surge follows standout display, sparking wide interest across Africa and beyond

Josimar Dias, the 40-year-old Cape Verdean footballer, has seen his social media following skyrocket by more than 11 million within just two days, following a viral performance that captured attention across Africa and internationally. The development has made Dias one of the most talked-about sports figures online this week.

The surge in followers began shortly after Dias delivered a remarkable showing for Cape Verde, drawing widespread praise from fans and commentators alike. His exploits on the pitch quickly trended on multiple social media platforms, with users sharing clips and messages celebrating his longevity and skill at an age when most players have retired.

Dias’s meteoric rise in popularity underscores the growing influence of African footballers on digital platforms, as well as the power of viral moments to transform personal brands overnight. For many Nigerians and Africans who follow football closely, Dias’s story is seen as both an inspiration and a testament to perseverance in the sport.

There has not yet been any official statement from Dias or Cape Verdean football authorities regarding his newfound fame. However, observers note that such rapid growth in online presence could attract endorsement opportunities and further raise the profile of Cape Verdean football globally.

With interest in African footballers at an all-time high on social media, analysts predict that more athletes from smaller nations could experience similar surges if they achieve standout performances. Fans across Nigeria and West Africa continue to celebrate Dias’s achievement, viewing it as a positive sign for regional representation on the global stage.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888374-how-cape-verdes-40-year-old-hero-josimar-dias-gained-over-11-million-followers-in-two-days.html

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