Nigerians react as DStv donates N1.2 billion, demand free subscription amidst Coronavirus lockdown

Nigerians have requested free subscription from DStv after the cable-TV company donated N1.2 billion towards the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus disease.

DStv had announced that from the N1.2 billion, FG would be given N500 million while Lagos State would receive N50 million. The company also stated that it would provide N400 million to cover the remuneration of engaged producers, actors and other technical professionals in the creative industry, whose production was disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Nairametrics had reported that Nigeria recorded its first case of COVID-19 late February 2020, but the figure has since risen to 174, with two people dead, while 9 people have been discharged after treatment.

[READ MORE: Why Social Media reacted to Keystone Bank’s N1 billion Coronavirus donation)

MultiChoice Nigeria commits ₦1.2Billion to support Nigeria's fight against #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/kMYuqXcIIz

— DStv Nigeria (@DStvNg) April 1, 2020

Chairman, DStv Nigeria, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, said, “We recognise the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on Nigerians and the economy.”

However, Nigerians protested this decision, asking for free subscription and better service.

Nigerians are not impressed: Despite being a worthy course, some Nigerians believe the donation would be of no use as the people would not feel the impact.

While the fear of a possible price hike after the pandemic clouded the announcement, many suggested that the donation should be used to offer free subscription for one or more months.

One of them, simply known as Nnaemeka @thisisemeka on Twitter, expected DSTV to reduce its tariff and not make such donations. He said,

“All these audio money we no go see or feel”. @okiezeokieze supported Emeka’s opinion, stating that, “Better use money to extend subscribers subscriptions for one month instead of giving to government that will not release it.”

Better use money to extend subscribers subscriptions for one month instead of giving to government that will not release it

— Okezie Azuma (Obed) (@OkezieOkezie) April 1, 2020

@sonic30465927 said, “Give all your subscribers 2 months free view” while @Maybyshantel1 responded, “Don’t mind them, ordinary 3days free view they won’t give…rubbish”. 

Don't mind them, ordinary 3days free view they won't give…rubbish

— Shantel ❤️ᴹᴹ (@Mabyshantel1) April 1, 2020

Another user @Vicente tweeted, “Hope our subscription fees is not hiked after the pandemic is over” Reacting to her statement, @OmnIkhine said, “Don’t mind them instead of them to auto renew all subscriptions then dey dash govt money help me ask them if na govt dey pay our subscriptions.” 

Don’t mind them instead of them to auto renew all subscriptions then dey dash govt money help me ask them if na govt dey pay our subscriptions

— magnus omon ikhine (@omonIkhine) April 1, 2020

You have not fulfilled any of your obligations to your customers and then you are making this announcement. Definitely audio money

— Tobias Joseph Terdoo (@AyatutuRSCEO) April 1, 2020

I wonder where all this money is going to…. reduce tariff or give us free subscription..donation one rubbish audio money mshwww

— Daniella 🧟‍♀️ (@jukai_ella) April 1, 2020

https://twitter.com/onyeka18/status/1245377764133306371?s=19

You guys should support Nigerian directly, all these governments are not really representing us. Give us full subscription for one month to enjoy staying at home

— 𝗡 𝗜 𝗚 𝗛 𝗧 (@Omonight) April 1, 2020

Who send una work??🙄 Nigeria government tell @DStvNg say Dem need money?
We no even need free subscription all we want na make our subscription end one month of usage not one month after subscribing… Sometimes we pay for what we don't use

— Nuelontop (@ENuelontop) April 1, 2020

That one na government go chop am,do what will affect you customers directly.

— olalekins (@lekan_ogunleye) April 1, 2020

Just reduce price for subscriptions this period and forget committing any amount to assist FGN they're have all it takes but embezzlement will never allow them.

— Clement Ese (@ClementAEse2) April 1, 2020