Ondo partners NBC on professionalism

Ondo State Government has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in ensuring that electronic media in the state adhere strictly to the rules and regulations, as provided by the commission, especially as the state approaches election year.

Speaking while playing host to the Management of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Benin Zonal Office in his office in Akure, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo said the state government through the ministry would engage all stakeholders in the broadcast industry in the state, towards achieving best practices and professionalism.

According to the Ministry’s Press Officer, Mr. Sola Omoboyewa, Ojogo said the step became necessary in compliance with the rules guiding the establishment of NBC as a regulatory agency in charge of broadcast media stations in the country to guarantee and facilitate effective communication.

On the performance of the state-owned electronic media, Mr Ojogo was happy that none has crossed the red line as attested to by the commission.

He attributed the development to competent and professional hands employed by the state government to run the two state owned radio and the television stations, adding that opposition political parties have their views aired on the stations, which is a clear departure from what obtained in the past.

The spokesman for the government noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, provides an enabling environment for freedom of press, himself being an advocate of good governance and a democrat.

Ojogo urged the commission to do more in encouraging the floating of community based radio station, stressing that this would go a long way in tackling security challenges as people at the grassroots will have first hand information.

Earlier in his remarks, the Zonal Director, Mr Sunday Omoge said he led members of the management team to the ministry to familiarise with  states under the Benin zone, which includes; Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti.

Mr. Omoge added that the Ministry of Information and Orientation has important roles to play in overseeing broadcast media to ensure that the 16 radio stations and 2 functional television stations in the state uphold the ethics of the profession and broadcast only items that add value to the society.