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Nigerian Broadcasting Commission’s license revocation ill-timed, ill-advised, in bad faith

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Nigerian Broadcasting Commission’s license revocation ill-timed, ill-advised, in bad faith

Nigerian Broadcasting Commission

 

Media Justice Nigeria (MJN) views with alarm the revocation of the licenses of 52 public and private radio and TV stations across the country by government’s regulatory agency, the Nigerian Broadcast Commission (NBC) on August 19, 2022. MJN views the sad and unfortunate development as ill-timed and ill-advised and in bad faith. While MJN is not happy that the stations are yet to meet up their statutory obligation of renewing their licenses that amount to N2.26 billion, we at MJN believe that the NBC should have devised other ways of addressing the situation rather than total revocation of licenses at a critical time like this. Not even the one week grace given is good enough.

While the NBC claimed that the license revocation action has no political motive, MJN sees the action differently. It is no news that open political campaigns will commence in less than two weeks, in September. Revoking radio and TV licenses when political campaigns are about to open is in bad faith. The action will consequently deny the stations avenues of making money from campaign advertorials that would have positioned them financially to pay whatever was being owed the NBC. MJN therefore believes the NBC’s action is needlessly punitive and should be rescinded at once.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NBC should be reminded of the dire economic situation and unfavourable business operating environment the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that appointed the current board and management of the NBC plunged Nigerians since its inception over seven years ago. The attendant results of APC’s poor governance are massive job losses, all-time high inflation, high cost of business operations, high cost of fuel to power businesses and many other unfavourable indexes of poor governance that may have made it impossible for the stations to meet their payment obligations.

The NBC must not be seen as an extension of the Muhammadu Buhari administration that appointed its board and management that failed to create jobs for Nigerians but instead made millions who had jobs to be thrown into the labour market. The NBC should therefore be mindful of not denying hundreds of Nigerians who work in these stations the jobs that feed thousands of their dependants while carrying out its statutory duty. The NBC should also be humane in its duty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MJN therefore urges the NBC to rescind its license revocation action on these stations and reschedule the debts in such a manner that the stations are not unnecessarily shut down. The NBC should look at the high cost of owning a TV or radio license and review it downwards.

The NBC owes Nigerians the democratic duty of liberalising information that these stations stand for and not just behave as a revenue-generating agency of government. Nigerians cannot afford the information blackout that the NBC’s action will create especially at a time of high insecurity like these where citizens need timely information that can save lives and property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed:
Director

Anote Ajeluorou

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Obijackson Foundation drives sustainable waste management, donates waste evacuation tools to Okija community

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The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.

The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.

According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.

“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.

He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.

Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.

Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”

“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.

Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”

“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.

The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.

In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.

The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.

It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

 

Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.

 

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.

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Turtle Taido Cartoon Animation In Hausa To Air On Ten TV Channels

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Nigeria’s popular and multiple award-winning children’s animation series, Turtle Taido, produced in Hausa is now set to air on television channels across the Northern States. This groundbreaking Hausa production of Turtle Taido is a collaboration between Tayekeni Productions and Arewa24 Network, bringing world class animation and the compelling power of African storytelling to millions of families across the country.

Turtle Taido is the story of a lively magical turtle who travels across the country in search of knowledge. On his journeys, he makes friends, visits places of interest, encounters magical stories and learns about other animals. Above all, he learns that understanding other people’s cultures makes us treat them with respect while promoting a peaceful and happier world.

Muyiwa Kayode, Creator and Executive Producer of Turtle Taido.

The Turtle Taido series has won multiple international awards including Best Children’s Short at Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles, and Best TV Series at the Buddha International Film Festival, India.

Broadcast Sponsorship of Turtle Taido series in Hausa is powered by Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard brand.

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