By Ado Salisu
The Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, has inaugurated six ad hoc committees to drive reforms and reposition Nigeria’s broadcasting industry through innovation, collaboration, capacity building and strategic engagement.
The inauguration, held on Tuesday in Abuja, brought together managing directors, general managers, veteran broadcasters and media professionals from across the country. Akiotu described the initiative as a key step towards fulfilling his administration’s agenda and preparing the industry for emerging challenges.
Among those present were veteran broadcaster and trainer Bimbo Oloyede; Tony Uyah of M4S TV; Kingsley Uranta of Channels Television; Chukwudi Okolie-Ugbojah; Ismael Sani of Platinum TV; Ibrahim Shehu of Trust TV; Christabel Ojay-Iyanya of Joy FM; Patrick Ugbe of Hit FM; former General Manager of Radio Nigeria, Funke Treasure; and BON Executive Secretary, Dr Yemisi Bamgbose.
Speaking at the inauguration, Akiotu said the committees were established to strengthen BON’s operations and create a platform for collaboration between member organisations and experienced broadcasting professionals.
He said the initiative would enable the umbrella body to play a more strategic role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
“The ad hoc committees are essentially meant to strengthen the operations of BON, with the objective of ensuring that the umbrella body of broadcast media houses makes more direct and meaningful impact on the broadcast media industry across the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Akiotu commended veteran broadcasters and media professionals who accepted to serve on the committees, describing their experience as critical to building a stronger and more effective organisation.
The six committees are:
Content Collaboration, Programming and Innovation;
Training, Skills Modernisation and Talent Development; Industry Sustainability and Cost Optimisation;Digital Transition.othrr Regulation and NBC Engagement; Policy Advocacy, Stakeholder, Engagement and National Development; and Sports Rights, Investment and Commercial.
He said the committees would be chaired by members of the BON General Assembly and would work closely with the BON Secretariat in carrying out their assignments.
According to him, each committee is expected to submit an interim report within three months, while implementation of approved recommendations is expected within six months. The committees will initially serve for 12 months, subject to extension where necessary.
Akiotu added that all committee activities, correspondence and financial transactions would be coordinated through the BON Secretariat to ensure transparency, accountability and alignment with the organisation’s objectives.
He urged members to approach their assignments with commitment, reminding them that Nigeria was the first country in Africa to introduce television broadcasting.
“We should always remember that it was the Federal Republic of Nigeria that pioneered television broadcasting in Africa. This historic feat should inspire us to remain at the forefront by providing the leadership and innovation required in the industry,” he said.
