Voice of Nigeria, VON, and the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, are forging a new partnership to enhance storytelling and foster positive narratives about Nigeria and Africa.
This was made known during a courtesy call made by the Voice of Nigeria management team, led by the Director General, Mallam Jubrin Baba Ndace to the office of the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Charles Ebuebu, in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
Baba Ndace underscored the importance of collaboration in rebranding Nigeria’s image, emphasising that foreigners’ perceptions of individuals often hinge on their country’s portrayal.
Mallam Ndace explained that with the availability of human resources, VON is ready and committed to providing the necessary support by enhancing inclusive broadcasting services.
He said; “I am here to advocate for our continued journey together, building upon existing partnerships and seeking new ones. Our team is committed to telling the stories of Nigeria and Africa, both preserving our culture and celebrating our diversity. Voice of Nigeria stands uniquely as the continent’s public platform empowered by law to narrate the stories of Nigeria and Africa, fostering positive narratives about our people and our continent. Indeed, there has never been a more crucial time to share our stories than now, when narratives are being shaped.
“We must take ownership of our narrative; if we don’t, others will. As Nigerians, we understand the challenges we face abroad. Whether as private citizens or government officials, the way we are treated is directly linked to the perceptions of our country. It is our collective responsibility to change this narrative.”
Responding, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, highlighted the significant role VON plays in the media space. He expressed confidence that the partnership would yield positive results through the exchange of expertise.
Ebuebu said; “The potential for development and synergy resulting from this partnership is significant, particularly in light of the ongoing digitalisation of the media landscape. VON holds a prominent position as Nigeria’s international flag bearer, showcasing our rich culture, traditions, and values through its programming.”
“As regulators, we are pleased to collaborate with VON to explore various opportunities. With the digital switch over under review, there is ample room for collaboration to advance both our mandates. We envision aligning our efforts in areas such as production, content creation, and training to promote Nigerian interests both locally and internationally. Leveraging your international engagements, we anticipate valuable insights and relationships that can enrich our collaboration. From a regulatory perspective, we can explore digital transformation and its impact on digital switch overs and the media sector. This partnership lays the groundwork for future synergies and collaboration,” he explained.
The two organisations are confident that through synergy and inter-agency discussions, they can achieve the desired goal of rebranding Nigeria.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
