The House of Representatives’ Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Value has advocated for more funding for the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
The Committee also lamented the dearth of facilities and transmitting equipment at the regional headquarter of the Federal Government owned stations located in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, the chairman of the committee who led other members to the NTA, FRCN and Amuludun FM Ibadan said there was need for proper funding of the stations for effective operation.
He maintained that “What is on ground is highly disappointing, there is nothing to show that the stations are ready for the Digital switch over which is the current trend in the broadcasting industry in the world.
“At FRCN, the building has been in place since 1961, no serious renovation on it, the same with NTA, old structure with obsolete equipment, we need to do something urgently to rescue the state and I want to use this medium to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Communication Alhaji Lai Muhammed to please release funds for the stations.
“We don’t have to wait for the election period before we release little fund for these stations to function, they should be effective in the discharge of their roles of informing, enlightening and educating the general public at all times”.
“With the zeal and determination of the workers, I believe if they have right equipment and other facilities in place they will operate effectively,” he said.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
