BON General Assembly Highlights Challenges, partners NIGCOMSAT

The 79th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) took place on Wednesday in Benin City, centering on the theme "Navigating the Challenges of Broadcasting in Nigeria." 

The assembly brought together industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and explore solutions for the beleaguered sector

In his address, the Chairman of BON, represented by High Chief Dayo Akpotu, painted a stark picture of the current state of the broadcasting industry. "The industry is undergoing a perilous and difficult time," he stated, calling on regulatory authorities to declare a state of emergency to initiate a much-needed turnaround.

The assembly also saw enthusiastic participation from NIGCOMSAT Ltd, highlighted by a goodwill message from Mrs. Jelilat Folakemi Olusesi, representing the MD/CEO of the South-West Business Office. 

Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of BON, expressed his pleasure at NIGCOMSAT’s involvement, emphasizing the value of their presence for fostering potential partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

"We believe your participation has provided a unique opportunity for interaction with CEOs of BON stations. This interaction will not only enrich the Assembly but also pave the way for potential partnerships and collaborative initiatives that could significantly benefit the broadcasting industry," Dr. Bamgbose said.

Earlier, NIGCOMSAT Limited announced a new collaborative partnership with BON to offer uplink services via the NIGCOMSAT satellite network. This strategic alliance is set to enhance the quality and reach of broadcasting services for BON members across the country for the next three months.

In a statement issued by Aisha Bantam, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs at NIGCOMSAT and made available to Uptown Press via email, the collaboration aligns with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s mandate, supervised by Honourable Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani. “This development will see NIGCOMSAT leverage its state-of-the-art satellite technology to empower BON and its member organisations,” Bantam stated. 

“This partnership will enable BON to seamlessly access NIGCOMSAT’s reliable and high-performance uplink services, ensuring their broadcast signals are delivered with unparalleled quality and consistency to viewers nationwide.”

NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing connectivity across Nigeria. “By collaborating with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, considering the strong influence it has in the media space and its contributions to the development of the society, we have the opportunity to elevate the country’s broadcasting landscape and bring the benefits of satellite technology to millions of Nigerians who rely on these vital services,” she said.

As the assembly concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism that this partnership would mark the beginning of a new era for Nigerian broadcasting, overcoming current challenges and paving the way for a more robust and reliable media industry.