News
‘Four African Nations May Meet Digitisation Deadline’
Ninety-seven African countries may not meet the June 17, 2015 deadline to switch-over from analogue to digital television broadcasting as a result of insufficient funding and poor infrastructure.
Telecommunications experts at the 5th African Digitalisation Seminar in Tianjin- Beijing at the weekend agreed that unless there was a miracle, only four African countries out of 54 would meet the June 17 switch-over date, just few days away.
Chairman of StarTimes, Dr. Xinxing Wang the organiser of the seminar, titled: “The Challenges of Digitalisation Project in Africa,” said it was a huge challenge financially that would affect the switch- over date.
Although, Wang pledged assistance of the Chinese Government, but added that African countries should be ready to embrace Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the project to speed up the programme.
“There are a lot of benefits from analogue to digital; it can create huge opportunities for business between China investors and African countries.
“The PPP model will enable all stakeholders to achieve a win-win situation in the broadcast industry and also promote cultural exchanges between China and African countries.
“We are aware that there are challenges facing this project in Africa, China is willing to assist. For instance, in Africa, Nigeria is StarTimes biggest market; we are working with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the largest network in Africa.
“We want to have more strategic partners in Africa so that we can produce more programmes in African language like Swahili, Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo language.
“Our projection is that at the end of this year, we will cover 45 African countries.’’
Wang said that to meet the above challenges, African countries should be able to choose combinations that were cost effective to meet the huge financial responsibility.
“StarTimes will assist in funding the project in a joint venture and will propose a financial proposal that will include exclusive rights and training need of employees,’’ he promised.
The Director-General of the NTA, Mr Sola Omole, told newsmen that the project started well in Nigeria, but soon lost steam to political activities.
“We are not ready for the switch and the structure on ground does not support it,” he said.
Also speaking, a telecommunications analyst, Michael Dearham, who is also the vice president of StarTimes, said African countries need to make careful analysis in choosing an encoding method in order to save cost.
He stressed the need to speed up the digitalisation process by making it a priority, as it would guarantee more transmission, including quality programmes.
A representative of Guinea, Mrs Helen Manuzi, commended StarTimes for boosting the development of communication in many African countries.
Manuzi charged African countries to do everything possible to meet the deadline in inter-connectivity, as China was willing to assist.
Also speaking, Zambia Minister of Communication, who was represented by Dr Peter Ignius, said the seminar provided a platform for African countries to assess various levels and compare notes in the digitalisation process.
He said the seminar was timely as it was being held few days to the deadline, adding that “it is obvious that so many African countries cannot meet the deadline for various reasons.
“In Zambia, we have just completed phase one which may amount to 60 per cent completion.
“Zambia is ready to learn from China and also seek for assistance in completing the project.
“The synergy between China and Africa through media cooperation has continued to bring the two countries closer in so many areas,’’ he said.
A representative of Kenyan Government, Mr Joseph Ubamta said the delay in migration in Kenya was due to the litigation which had slowed down the roll out of the digital signal.
He, however, said that the legal issue has been resolved and that the project was 58 per cent completed enough to guarantee the June switch- over deadline.
Dr Fenella Mukangara,Tanzania’s Minister of Information and Communication, Youths and Sports, said Tanzania had made good progress since 2006 when the decision was taken by the International Television Union (ITU).
According to her, Tanzania is 100 per cent ready to meet the deadline as everything is in place and we successfully migrated in 2012.
“Our infrastructure is in place, the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) all in place and China has been most supportive.
“Our network has increased and the coverage area extends to Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Namibia,’’ she said.
the Tide source reports that over 50 African representatives, including African media representatives attended the programme.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol