Gov Sani Bello Hosts Media Executives To Iftar Dinner At The State House In Niger. Photos

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has pledged to re-position the state owned media houses for optimum performance.


He made this pledge in Minna on Monday, the state capital when observing Iftar (breaking of fast) with media executives in the state.

The governor said the re-positioning of the state owned media houses became necessary to enable regular and adequate dissemination of information on government programmes and policies to the teeming populace in the rural areas.

"We have started with the radio and television. We want to ensure that AM radio station is back on the air to complement the FM station while we are also going to digitise the NSTV in line with global best practice.

"For the newspaper arm, Newsline Newspaper, I have directed the management of the paper to come up with a new business work plan to turnaround the fortunes of the paper. We are committed to injecting some funds into the newspaper as soon as our resources improve.

"Just today at the expanded state council meeting, the issue of media was at the front burner. We agreed that we need to adequately and regularly inform and educate our people on government activities, policies and programmes".

The governor then commended media practitioners in the state for their cooperation and for effectively projecting the activities, programmes and policies of his administration, he however enjoined them to adhere strictly to the ethics of their profession.

Earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Veterans Committee, Ambassador Zubairu Dada commended the signing of contract for the revival of the state moribund AM radio station. He lamented that the station has suffered neglect by successive administrations in the state.

"I was overwhelmed when I read in the papers the signing of contracts for the supply of Radio Niger AM equipment and the digital equipment for the NSTV. Mr. Governor we are so happy for this singular act and we hope this gesture will be extended to the Newsline Newspaper Company".

The Veteran Committee Chairman who commended the efforts of the government despite the economic recession stressed the need for government to carry the people along in all its programmes, policies and activities.

"Mr. Governor, you are doing so much, you have to inform the people that is why we are happy with your efforts to fix the Radio Niger and NSTV. If you don't blow your Trumpet, nobody will do for you," Dada advised.

Commissioner for Information, Comrade Jonathan Vatsa, two former Chief Press Secretaries, Alhaji Ilyasu Dachko and Alhaji Abdullahi Paiko, chief executive officers of state owned media houses, director, Federal Information Service, Danjuma Salawu, Manager News, NTA Minna, Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi and leaders of media related trade and professional unions were in attendance.

Jibrin Baba Ndace
Chief Press Secretary
5th July, 2016