Minister of Information and Culture
The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the Governing Board of the country’s broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), urging it to strengthen its regulatory role ahead of the 2023 general elections
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, pointed out that the 2023 elections would be very tasking for the NBC as it has to work round the clock to ensure that broadcast houses abide by the provisions of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
A statement issued by Segun Adeyemi, the Special Assistant to the President (Media), Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, said, “Please note that as we move closer to the 2023 general elections, NBC will come under increasing pressure to step up its regulatory role to prevent a repeat of what transpired before, during and after the 2019 general elections, when some broadcast stations threw caution to the wind and engaged in inciting, incendiary and unprofessional broadcasts. It is important for the commission to ensure that its licencees adhere strictly to the tenets of the Broadcasting Code.”
The Minister called on the Board to develop relevant policies that will drive the implementation of the Digital Switch Over (DSO), which, he said, is the flagship project of the NBC.
Alhaji Mohammed enjoined the members of new NBC Board to maintain a cordial relationship with the management, and to strictly adhere to their roles in policy formulation and refrain from getting involved in the day-to-day running of the Commission so as to engender a smooth working relationship.
He reminded them that the role of the board of any organization is to formulate policies, and not to engage in the day-to-day running of the organization, adding that the Board is to evolve strategic ways of supporting the NBC so it can most effectively deliver its mandate.
The newly inaugurated Board Chairman, Mr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for finding them worthy to serve. He pledged the readiness of the Board members to work with the management of the NBC as well as the Ministerial Task Force on the DSO to ensure the success of the project.
Other members of the newly inaugurated Board are Mr. Wada Asab Ibrahim, Mr. Iheanyichukwu Azubike Dike, Mrs. Adesola Oyinloye Ndu, Mr. Olaniyan Olatunji Badmus, Mr. Bashir Ibrahim, Mr. Obiora Ilo, Mr, Ahmad Sajo, Engr. Bayo Erikitola; Mr. Peter Afunanya, the representative of the Department of State Services; Dr. Musbau Kayode, representing the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, and the NBC Director-General, Alhaji Balarabe Ilelah.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr. Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku, and the Senator representing Adamawa Central, Hajia Aisha Dahiru, among other dignitaries attended the inauguration.
