Our reporter

In a bid to enhance broadcasting services and empower the youth, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a digital hub in Benin City, Edo State.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will partner with the Edo State Government and the Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS) to create a platform designed to support content development, skit making, and other media-related ventures.

This announcement was made on Wednesday by the Director-General of NBC, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, during a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo in Benin City. Speaking on the new initiative, Ebuebu highlighted the potential of the partnership to foster growth in the state’s media sector, focusing particularly on empowering young creatives who lack the necessary platforms to showcase their talents.

“We are excited to collaborate with Edo State, which is already demonstrating considerable achievements in the media sector. The proposed digital hub will provide the space and resources for youths to create content and connect with audiences both locally and internationally,” Ebuebu stated.

Governor Okpebholo expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, emphasising that the state government would do everything in its power to ensure the success of the project. “Edo is a state rich in history and culture, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative that will give our young people the tools they need to succeed in the modern media landscape,” he said.

The partnership also comes at a time when EBS is undergoing significant transformation under the current administration. In a remarkable feat, the Governor’s team has successfully revived the EBS station in Ihievbe, which had been out of service for over a decade. The development is seen as a testament to the administration’s commitment to revitalising media infrastructure and providing new opportunities for local talent.

Sulaiman Aledeh, Managing Director of EBS, praised the swift progress made by the current leadership in Edo, citing the revival of the Ihievbe station as a key milestone. “In under 100 days, the Governor has made strides that we never thought possible. The revitalisation of this station will give us the ability to integrate Edo languages and pidgin into our broadcasts, making them more accessible and relatable to local audiences,” Aledeh remarked.

The initiative has also been hailed as a significant step towards the digitalisation of broadcasting in Nigeria, with the NBC emphasising its commitment to clearer signals and more diverse content. Through this collaboration, the hope is that Edo’s thriving community of content creators will gain the exposure they need to monetise their work and make their mark both in Nigeria and on the global stage.

As part of the on-going discussions, the NBC and the Edo State Government are working to finalise plans for the digital hub, which is expected to open later this year.

 

 

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