The Federal Government has approved the establishment of two new
Broadcasting Stations for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in
Enugu State, to enhance its rural information dissemination services.
The Chairman of the NTA Board of Directors, Hon. Patrick Ogbu who
disclosed this during courtesy call on Governor Sullivan Chime at the
Government House, Enugu, said that the new stations would be sited at
Udi and Nsukka Local Government Areas of the state.
He added that the authority has entered into partnership with
Star-Times, a Chinese Communication Firm to give Nigerian viewers
access to about 40 additional channels noting that the project had
been launched in about 8 states in the country and would soon be
extended to Enugu State.
Hon Ogbu told the Governor that he was in Enugu State as part of his
tour to assess facilities of the authority at the zonal centers in the
country with a view to repositioning them for effective service
delivery in the present global economy.
He said that NTA as the largest network in Africa has no choice than
to live up to its responsibility of informing and carrying people
along adding that the upgrading of the facilities of the Authority for
eventual switch over to full digital broadcasting and the
establishment of Community Television in all the senatorial
headquarters in the country would enhance coverage of the rural areas
where the majority of the electorate resides.
The Board Chairman reiterated the commitment of NTA to give full
coverage to the developmental efforts of the Enugu State Government.
Hon Ogbu enumerated some of the challenges facing NTA Station in the
state, which included transportation and power supply and called on
the governor to assist the organization in those directions.
Responding, Governor Sullivan Chime commended the NTA for its effort
in publicizing government activities and for its good will in
attracting two more stations in the state.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to State Government,
Barr Amechi Okolo reaffirmed the determination of the state government
to continue to partner with NTA in the discharge of its duties.
He added that the issue of power and transportation would be looked
into for possible assistance.
