Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described media as pillars of democratic structure of every society due to their immediacy and vital function.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje stated this while declaring open the 75th general assembly of broadcasting organizations of Nigeria (BON) holding in Kano.
According to the Governor, the importance of the Nigerian media cannot be over emphasized particularly Radio and television which are the best mediums of communication.
He explained that the event is taking place at a time when the broadcast industry was moving from analog to digital media.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described the theme of the 75th general assembly as timely due to the problems bedevelling the country and urged participants to ensure objectivity and neutrality in their news coverage.
” Our own outgoing BON chairperson Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim we are proud of you for the successful completion of your tenure and for your efforts in bringing the much needed unity among members of the organization”
Earlier in his remarks the minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammad expressed Federal Government’s readiness to continue to partner with broadcasting organizations of Nigeria to keep the people adequately informed and the successful implementation of key projects like the digital switch over.
The minister who was represented by the director general of the national broadcasting commission (NBC) Malam Balarabe Ilelah charged the broadcasters to practice with caution and avoid divisiveness, misinformation and hate speech in both public and private media stations.
Alhaji Lai Mohammad described BON as an important body that has brought together both public and private broadcast stations.
“Because of it’s wide reach and immediacy,broadcasting remains a powerful tool and has a great role to play in fostering national unity”
In her end of tenure speech the outgoing chairperson of the broadcasting organizations of Nigeria and director general Abubakar Rimi Television Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim explained that the organization has succeeded in securing 60% waiver on licence fees debt to national braodcasting commission by members due to the covid 19 pandemic
She noted that the assembly also approved the induction into broadcasting hall of Fame of outstanding and accomplished broadcasters as well as organizing a reunion an award night in addition to APCON induction of members as practitioners.
“At BON we use this forum to bring broadcast organizations together to share experiences and information truthfully and accurately for valued relationships through partnerships and plan for the growth and development of the broadcast society”
The 75th general assembly of the broadcasting organizations of Nigeria themed: Broadcasting: Between Public Interest and National Interest attracted top government functionaries, ace broadcasters, CEOs of public and private broadcast stations and the general public.
KHADIJAH ALIYU/KANO