The Plateau State Ministry Of Information and Communication has narrated how the State Governor, Simon Lalong saved and rescued the State Government’s owned Radio and Television Media outfit from the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission enforcement that saw the regulator closing down broadcasting networks of privately and public owned broadcasting networks across the country for defaulting on license fees.
In line with its philosophy of rescue, Governor Simon Bako Lalong approved the payment of fifteen year backlog of licenses of the Plateau Radio and Television (PRTV) owed the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), totaling one hundred and fourteen million, five hundred thousand Naira (N114,500,000.00) only. This happened months before the regulatory body took the drastic action of shutting down over 50 defaulting broadcast stations.
“Governor Lalong’s magnanimity is an uncommon demonstration of the commitment he has exhibited to see that democracy thrives by providing the citizens platforms to be informed, educated and entertained.” Said the Commisioner for Information and Communication.
He further said that the the state media in Plateau State is grateful to Governor Lalong for this progressive act of commitment and resilience, assures him that PRTV will rise up to the occasion by discharging its mandate with utmost decorum, responsibility and professionalism.
The statement also said that the Ministry of Information and Communication as well as management and staff of PRTV consider the Governor’s intervention as a boost to action which will translate to greater commitment to duty by rejigging the Corporation’s programme content and service delivery.
“That by this development, the era of lackadaisical attitude, truancy and unprofessionalism by staff of PRTV should be eschewed as any breach will not be tolerated.”
It will be recalled that prior to the Governor’s gesture, PRTV was under threat of closure by NBC for unpaid licence fees of up to 15 years.
The Statement was submitted today, 21st August, 2022 by the Honourable Commisioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State Government, Dan Manjang, anipr.
– Bello Akinkunmi Yakub
