‘Don’t allow agents of Disunity to Use BON’ – Information Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has urged the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria,BON, not to allow agents of Disunity to use the broadcast industry to propagate their interest and distabilise Nigeria.

He made the call during the 75th Assembly of BON,  with the theme: Broadcasting: Between Public interest and National Interest”,  held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano state north Western Nigeria.

He called on the broadcasters to resolve to serve both public and national interest, rather than the agents of distablisation.

“Let us therefore resolve to use our platforms to serve both public and national interest, rather than the interest of a few naysayers and agents of destabilization. Let us remember that it is because we have a country that we can have broadcast stations.

“We are not asking you to shut out those who are critical of government or those who have opposing views. All we are saying is that agents of disunity, Divisiveness, misinformation and hate should not be allowed to use private and public broadcast stations to achieve their goals,” the Minister said.

Partnering with BON
He said the Federal Ministry of Information would continue to partner with BON as a reliable ally to inform the public of the activities of government.

“We consider you as a reliable ally, to keep the people adequately informed of the activities of government, and also in the successful implementation of key projects like the Digital Switch Over,” added the Minister.

The Minister was represented at the event by the Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Balarabe Ilelah.

Kano state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the occasion described the media, which BON is a major stakeholder as pillars of democratic structure of every society due to their immediacy and vital function.

He urged participants to ensure objectivity and neutrality in their news coverage and reportage, especially at a time like this that the nation is facing some challenges.

The Governor said, ” the theme of the 75th general assembly: “Broadcasting: Between Public interest and National Interest”, is timely due to the problems bedevelling the country and I urge participants to ensure objectivity and neutrality in their news coverage to keep the country safe.”

Best Medium of Communication
He said the Radio and Television are the best mediums of communication, expressing delight that the event is taking place at a time when the broadcast industry is moving from analog to digital media.

He commended the out going Chairperson of BON, Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim, who is from Kano state for her outstanding performance while serving the organisation, especially in the areas of unifying members and pursing interests of the organisation.

” Our own outgoing BON chairperson Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim, we are proud of  you for the successful completion of your tenure and for your efforts in bringing the much needed unity and change among members of the organisation,”  Ganduje  said.

The Guest Speaker at the event, Professor, Mohammed Gambo of the Department of Mass communication urged participants to pursue national interest rather than personal interest in their various organisations.

He equally urged the federal ministry of information to reduce the temptation of always wanting to gag media industries as well as reduce the grip on NBC for them to perform maximally.

The outgoing chairperson of the broadcasting organisations of Nigeria and director general Abubakar Rimi Television, Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim said during her tenure the organisation succeeded in securing 60% waiver on licence fees debt to national broadcasting commission by members due to the covid 19 pandemic.

She noted that the assembly also approved the induction into broadcasting hall of Fame of outstanding and accomplished broadcasters as well as organizing a reunion an award night in addition to APCON induction of members as practitioners.

“At BON we use this forum to bring broadcast organizations together to share experiences and information truthfully and accurately for valued relationships through partnerships and plan for the growth and development of the broadcast society,” she said.

The Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu while giving the vote of thanks said the organisation will continually engage in factual reporting while promoting the national interest of the country.

“We will continue to promote factual reporting in our reportage because that is the core part of our job,” said DG VON.

The event was graced by government functionaries, ace broadcasters, CEOs of public and private broadcast stations and the general public.

Confidence Okwuchi