Yobe Govt reaffirms commitment to reposition state television, radio stations

By Ahmed I Abba

The Yobe Government has restated its commitment to reposition Yobe State Television (YTV) and Yobe Broadcasting Corporation (YBC) for improved performance and global competitiveness.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Damaturu at the 30th anniversary celebration of YTV.

Bego said Gov. Mai Mala Buni had approved the constitution of a technical working group to design a framework for transforming the two state-owned media organisations.

“With the support of His Excellency, we are determined to transform YTV and YBC to international broadcasting standards.

”This is a debt I owe and by the grace of Almighty Allah, I will deliver,” Bego said.

He added that the governor also approved the conversion of more casual and volunteer workers into permanent staff of YTV and YBC, in response to requests by management of the two stations.

The commissioner assured that the ministry, with the backing of the governor, would ensure sustained reforms to strengthen the stations for better service delivery.

Earlier, the General Manager of YTV, Alhaji Yusuf Isa, recalled that the station was conceived by the then Military Administration, commenced test transmission on Oct. 26, 1995.

Isa said YTV began with a 30-kilowatt transmitter before expanding coverage to parts of the North-East and North-West with a booster station.

He noted that YTV had, over three decades, produced administrators, politicians, traditional leaders and professionals who made significant contributions to society.

The GM expressed appreciation to Gov. Buni for his commitment to the digitisation of YTV and called on staff to take advantage of the reforms to build their professional capacity.

Our correspondent reports that past general managers and other personalities were recognised and honoured during the anniversary celebration.