Business
I Started as a Camera man.. passed through thick and thin to get to this stage – Planet TV Owner,Wale Akinlabi
Planet TV is a musical channel on GOTV transmitting to the world from south Africa, a couple of weeks ago an affiliation kicked off in Nigeria transmitting from onward building in oregun, ikeja Lagos. The president of the planet image communications both in south Africa and Nigeria is a young Nigerian that has traveled far wide and especially through every nook and cranny of African continent promoting both Africa and Nigeria culture through selling our musical contents. Sahara weekly had the honor of speaking one on one with Mr Wale Akinlabi a man of vision and focus on how it all began and how it has been so far. Enjoy….
Sw: can we meet you sir?
Wale Akinlabi: my name is wale akinlabi the president of planet image communications,the owner of planet TV on GoTV channel 37 and good morning africa on africa magic
Sw: kindly tell us your background
WA:I hail from oyo alafin in oyo state and happens to be the first child in a family of seven. I studied theater arts from lagos state university,bachelor of arts(BA)visual & performing arts, I’m married with 2 beautiful kids from the most beautiful woman(smiles)
Sw: Recently you unveiled planet T.V a music channel on cable network in nigeria apart from the planet TV in south Africa,kindly tell us how and when planet TV started?
WA: Planet TV actually originated from Nigeria. I started the company in 1990 but as a one man business there was not much to write home about . So in year 2000 after resigning my appointment from where I was working I went into full operation.
Sw: As at that time were you still in Nigeria?
WA: I relocated to south africa in 2004,the beginning in south Africa was also not rosy. I was just there with nothing but just hoping for the best,in 2008 things started improving and I got planet image registered
Sw: earlier you talked about resigning your appointment to fully concentrating on planet TV from which company did you resign?
WA: I was working with Audio visual first( AVF) who actually owns this facility before resigning in year 2000
Sw: For you to set up planet TV in south Africa you must have recorded a huge success?
WA: (smiles) we still can not deny the fact that planet TV has come of age inspite of the fact that we still target the sky as our limit
SW: what makes planet TV different from the others ?
WA: we strive to stand ahead of others in our programming, we target both the youth and the matured audience and try to balance the two. As for our picture quality, we broadcast with HD and also transmit with the most powerful and effective transmitting machine from South Africa which is the latest technology in terms ot transmission, we are only the only one using it in Nigeria while all others make do with satellite dish which is not always reliable, when it rains the signal becomes unstable.
Sw: that is quite wonderful!!!
WA: that is not all,we are the first cable TV channel with live interaction,so we could feel the pulse of our viewers and give it instant attention,they tell us what music to play and we put it on their screen immediately …
SW: what prompted the decision to have a live interactions while others are not so inclined….
WA: like every other youth, everybody has a vision but the way we actualise our dreams is what brings about the difference, it depends on how individual go by it. Another point of note is the fact that we all have dreams but not all are given the grace to actualise our dreams. All in all I give glory to God for making my dreams come to life.
SW: life is not always a bed of roses, along the line the road must have been rough and bumpy, what are the challenges?
WA: it has not been an easy journey all through. I passed through thick and thin to get to this stage . Like I told you earlier,1990 till 2000 when I resigned at my working place to fully concentrate on my own project,I was not getting anything but only sacrificing time, energy and capital,the situation continued till we left Nigeria’s shore in 2004
SW: once in south Africa,things turned around for good?
WA: Not immediately ,the first few years in south Africa was full of unrewarding efforts making it the same old story, it was self determination coupled with patience and lot of sacrifice that saw us through and we had an upturn in the business. My brother the challenges were tough and discouraging but above all I give all the glory to God for where we are today..
Sw: let’s get on how you found your self in the media world,was it a dream or somehow accidental?
WA: I actually started from the scratch. Its a long story but I’ll take time to tell you to the barest details
SW: Go on,I’m all ear sir?
WA: (sigh) I passed through all aspects of production
,Started as a cameraman, I later moved to Galaxy TV owned by Steeve OJO, I was working as an editor,I was one of the first set of people that built and developed galaxy tv in ibadan, I trained virtually all the editors and also doing the broadcast. One thing I can say about steeve ojo is the fact that he would not tolerate half measure . He made me work hard and every body said he was using me but the fact remains that I was building myself morally,physically and technically. He employed me as an editor but made me understand professional camera handling. We rotate different departments,it was him that turned me into an animator, my dexterity on it with time made all my friends call me animation,it became my nick name .
SW: so you moved from minor camera operation to editing and from there to animation?
WA: you are right,it was when I moved to AVF that I became content producer
Sw: Hmmm Jack of all trades- (cuts in)
WA: master of all (General laughter) so imagine you going through all these processes,knowing almost everything in all facets of it. Setting up your own company will no doubt be an easy thing.
Sw: so in one word experience has really worked positively for you ?
WA: exactly after knowing all the rudiments of each departments nothing should stop one from reaching the sky. When I started the planet TV because I could do everything I made myself the capital. I would do the capital work and later edit the stuff, after editing I would send the content to where I want it to go . It was really a humble beginning.
SW: Planet TV having been on GoTV for couple of years what positive impact have you made on Africa magic?
WA: I myself have made positive impact that would linger on for quite a long time. Good morning africa which is totally one of the best breakfast show in the continent of africa is my brain child ,it started in 2009 in south africa . After watching africa magic for a long time,I conceptualized the program and started selling the content for africa magic…
SW: ok ,that was when you started selling content for them ?
WA: Nooo…I started selling content for them in 2004,before the good morning africa, I was commission to get contents for them so I started producing small small contents like the ”star zone featuring Nigerian stars on their channel, growing time, weekend plus,home trend,chillers,design & life style , design & automobile and so on …
SW: that is quite a lot sir but before I go, to every hard working and commitment there must be one or two benefits or let me say reward, have you ever been awarded before ?
WA: we give all Glory to God!to God be the glory I have been awarded the following accolades!!(1) Best television producer with the most african content 2012 by african achievers award at kings college united kingdom, (2)media excellence 2011by leaders voice magazine south africa,(3)entrepreneur of the year 2011 by Applause magazine united kingdom,(4) Heritage award 2014, excellence media practice & profound commitment to success 2014 by supreme magazine. And by the grace Of God more are still coming our ways…
SW: Whao!!! what an achievement! So at this juncture sir what would you tell those who aspire to become a TV channel owner like you?
WA: patience,endurance and sacrifice because it can never be an instant success,it takes a whole lot of time. But with God All things are possible
SW: thank you very much sir for your quality time….
Why Pay Rent Endlessly When You Can Own Your Dream Home Now?
FirstBank’s MREIF mortgage loan product is an opportunity waiting for Nigerians to grab, as FirstBank, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) partner to bridge housing deficit and empower citizens with credit to own their own homes of choice in any 36 states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This laudable initiative considers the importance of shelter to Nigerian citizens especially low and middle income earners that have to save for years before they can build for themselves. It aims at delivering homes to those who would apply without stress, putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians now, and during retirement.
Through MREIF, FirstBank will provide eligible customers with access to loans of up to N100 million with a repayment period of up to 20 years, at an attractive interest rate of 9.75% per annum. This is less than the usual interest rate on regular loans which sit at about 27% or more today. The repayment duration of 20 years makes the loan attractive for customers without stress.
The mortgage facility is available to salary account holders, business owners, and diaspora customers.
Interested customers are required to visit the Bank’s website: https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ where they can find detailed information and begin their journey toward homeownership
Riceocracy: When Tinubu and the APC Government Substitutes Governance with Handouts
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Tinubu’s administration faces mounting criticism as rice palliatives replace real solutions to Nigeria’s deepening crisis.”
ABUJA, Nigeria — March 17, 2026
A growing wave of public frustration is sweeping across Nigeria as citizens decry what has now been dubbed “Riceocracy” a governance pattern where the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) respond to systemic failures with the distribution of rice rather than meaningful reforms.
Across the country, from major cities like Lagos and Abuja to underserved rural communities, Nigerians are voicing anger over persistent issues: no stable electricity, deteriorating road networks, unaffordable fuel and cooking gas, and a struggling education system. Yet, in response to these structural problems, the government’s most visible intervention has been the distribution of food palliatives; particularly rice.
The central figures in this unfolding crisis are President Tinubu and the APC-led federal and state governments, who have overseen the rollout of these relief measures. On the other side are millions of Nigerians battling rising inflation, joblessness, and declining living standards.
The trend gained momentum following the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, a policy decision by the Tinubu administration that triggered a surge in transportation and commodity prices. By 2024 and into 2025, the government intensified the distribution of rice and other palliatives as a stopgap measure to quell public discontent. Now, in 2026, the approach has become a defining feature of the administration’s response to economic hardship.
The “Riceocracy” phenomenon is nationwide. Reports from states such as Kano, Rivers, and Borno show large crowds gathering for rice distribution exercises, even as basic infrastructure continues to decay. Urban centers are not exempt; in cities like Lagos, residents still grapple with erratic power supply and high living costs despite periodic palliative programs.
Analysts point to political convenience and immediate optics. Distributing rice is quick, visible, and politically advantageous, especially in a climate of widespread hardship. However, critics argue that it reflects a deeper governance failure; an inability or unwillingness to implement long-term solutions.
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has long warned against superficial governance, describing such approaches as “a betrayal of democratic responsibility.” In the same vein, global economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has stressed that “palliatives may provide temporary relief, but they cannot replace sound economic management and structural reform.”
Political economist Pat Utomi offers a sharper critique: “A state that reduces its responsibility to food sharing risks institutionalizing poverty rather than eliminating it.” His statement captures the growing concern that Nigeria’s leadership is addressing symptoms rather than causes.
The implications are severe. Nigeria’s power sector remains unreliable, forcing businesses to depend on costly alternatives. Road infrastructure continues to hinder economic activity, while the education sector suffers from underfunding and frequent disruptions. Despite these challenges, rice distribution has become the most consistent government response.
Critics further argue that this strategy fosters dependency and weakens civic engagement. Instead of demanding accountability, citizens may feel compelled to accept handouts as substitutes for rights and services. Allegations of mismanagement and politicization of palliative distribution also persist, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
The term “Riceocracy” may sound satirical, but it reflects a sobering reality. It highlights a governance model where survival replaces development, and where public policy is reduced to emergency relief rather than strategic planning.
As Nigeria marks this moment on March 17, 2026, the message from scholars, civil society, and frustrated citizens is unmistakable: rice cannot fix a broken system. Only deliberate investments in infrastructure, education, energy, and economic productivity can restore confidence and chart a sustainable path forward.
Until then, the image of Nigerians queuing for bags of rice will remain a stark symbol of a nation still searching for leadership that goes beyond palliatives to deliver real progress.
ZENITH BANK OPENS MANCHESTER BRANCH TO SUPPORT CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.
”Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China.
In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.
With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the world.
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