Minister assures NTA on quest to attain global standards

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris says, the Federal Government is committed to support Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in its quest to upgrade its facilities to global industry standards.

Idris made the commitment at the opening ceremony of the NTA management Conference sand Retreat on Monday in Abuja.

The Conference with the theme “Managing a Television Station in a Competitive Environment’’ is organised by the NTA for its management staff across the country.

According to him, the support is to place the NTA in a position to compete with the best in the world.

“The role of the NTA in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and fostering national unity cannot be overstretched.

“In an era where information has become ever more potent, your responsibility is profound, and the impact of your work is felt across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond.

“In this regard, I want to express my gratitude to every one of you for your unwavering dedication to the service of our great nation.

“However, the recent procurement of industry-standard high-resolution Cameras and portable live-streaming TVU packs, among others, have significantly enhanced NTA’s ability to respond to breaking news even in very remote areas.

“The government will support the NTA in its quest to upgrade its facilities to global industry standards to put it in a position to compete with the best in the world,’’ he said.

He explained that as they embark on the retreat, it is crucial to reflect on the dynamic landscape of the media industry, adding that the advent of new technologies and changing viewer preferences pose challenges and opportunities.

“Our commitment to excellence and adaptability is paramount. The NTA must continue to evolve, embracing innovation while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity’’.

The Minister urged each member of the NTA management team to actively engage in the talks and workshops planned for the retreat.

According to him, this is an invaluable opportunity to share insights, explore innovative strategies, and collectively chart a course for the NTA’s future.

He stressed that, collaboration and synergy among departments are essential to enhancing overall effectiveness.

The Minister explained that the retreat is coming at a time when there is a growing number of options for the viewing public to source information from.

“More especially against the backdrop of the dominant role of social media and the preponderance of false and misleading information therein; therefore, the significance of an event of this nature cannot be overemphasized.

“The challenge before you, although daunting, is not insurmountable.

“I challenge this gathering to come out with practical and innovative ways of reaching the populace with messages of hope in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“I am persuaded by the quality of the professionals in this auditorium that this task is achievable.

“Already, the signal upgrade of the Authority from standard definition to high definition is having an appreciable impact on the viewing experience of members of the public.

“This has to be replicated in all NTA Stations across the country to achieve the desired objective,’’ Idris said.

The Minister also restated Federal Government’s commitment to the Digital Switch Over (DSO) Project, adding that his Ministry is working assiduously for a DSO blueprint that will not fail.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of NTA, Mr Sahilu Dembos commended that Minister and appreciated the support given to the station so far.

According to him, this is the first time a Minister is attending the management retreat of NTA.

“The theme of the conference encapsulates the profound challenges and formative opportunities inherent in the temporary media landscape.

“Regardless the challenges in the industry, the NTA stand resolute in its commitment to delivering content, not only to inform and entertain but to also reflect the diversity of our nation.

“This conference serve as an important point of collective examination, strategic thinking and cultivation of measures and ideas that will position us as the vanguard of broadcasting excellency,’’ Dembos said.