The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, has solicited the support of the National Assembly for adequate funding of the corporation to enable it compete favourably among its contemporaries.
Speaking during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation in Abuja, Noting the quick migration of the broadcast industry from the traditional platform to the digital, Mr. Ndace lamented that VON was, however, still faced with the challenge of terrestrial transmission, which is hindering the corporation’s performance.
“VON has one of the best facilities in Africa but just requires a little upgrade and maintenance to make it function effectively.
“When I came on board, I went round to see some of the facilities. I realized that VON has one of the best facilities for broadcasting in the world. VON has one of the best solar power, even the best in Africa.
“I was told that when it was installed some years back, at that time, it was the best in Africa. It was only Libya that had a similar equipment at that point.
“We have the facilities; it’s just a little support, upgrade and maintenance that are required.
“The state-of-the art multi-billion naira transmitting station in Lugbe, Abuja, can cover the whole world, if upgraded,” he said.
Mr. Ndace said Voice of Nigeria, as the only external broadcast radio station permitted by the country’s law to broadcast to the world, is committed and determined to ensure news and programmes produced enhance Nigeria’s foreign policy and image.
The director-general, however, said that VON cannot achieve its optimum objectives without the support of the National Assembly and, therefore, appealed to the Legislature to appropriate funds to the corporation to enable it tackle some of its challenges.
In his response, the the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Emeka Eze, commended the DG’s enthusiasm for repositioning the corporation.
“I have listened to you. I must first commend your commitment towards your new role. I can see that you are determined to make VON work well.
“I equally commend the attendance of the management staff here, which shows total commitment also. But I want to urge you to redouble your effort, generate content and produce programmes that will promote peace and unity in Nigeria,” Senator Eze said.
Senator Eze, who was pleased with the presentation of VON’s DG, advised Mr Ndace to make a request for intervention through the supervising Ministry.
“I equally want to commend you for appreciating the efforts of government towards making VON functional.
“I equally urge you to articulate all your requests, especially your challenges, for us to see.
“And you also, forward it through your supervising ministry for quick intervention,” he said.
Senator Eze disclosed that the committee, as the supervisory body, would soon embark on their oversight functions of the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), where they will interact with their leadership and exchange ideas on how they can function more effectively.
All the senators who spoke commended Voice of Nigeria for still standing tall despite the economic challenges facing the world, while making a firm promise to continue working on the legal framework that will enable the corporation work effectively.
