The House of Reps Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Value, Hon Segun Dokun Odebunmi, has advocated for more funding for Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Just as they lament the dearth of facilities and transmitting equipment at the regional headquarter of the Federal Government-owned stations located in Ibadan.
Hon. Odebunmi, who led other members to the NTA, FRCN and Amuludun FM Ibadan said there is need for proper funding of the stations for effective operation.
He maintained that “What is on the 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 Professor Lai Muhammed to please release fund for the stations.
“We don’t have to wait for the election period before we release little fund for this stations to function, they should be effective in the discharge of their roles of informing, enlightening and educating the general public at all time”.
”With the zeal and determination of the workers, I believe if they have the right equipment and other facilities in place they will operate effectively,” He said.
While assuring the stations of their support Hon Odebunmi said that the committee will influence more fund for this stations from the 2020 budget for FRCN and NTA as well as security equipment from the available ones from the headquarters for the stations.
“ Your role in informing, educating and enlightening the public about the development in the society cannot be underrated and the only way you can do this effectively is when you work under a conducive atmosphere with good facilities and like I promise we will look into that and do something as soon as possible.
NTA Zonal Director Engineer Omolola Olorode who conducted the committee round the station said lack of sufficient funding is the major source of challenges facing the organization.
Also, the Director of Finance and Account Mr Micheal Oluwole who represented the Director-General FRCN Ibadan Alhaji Muhammadu Bello commended the committee for their visit and urge them to assist the corporation on increase funding and provision of basic facilities.
