BY CHIKA KWAMBA
THE Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has cautioned government-owned media organisations against excessive censorship, stressing that it deprives the public of essential information.
Aniagwu gave the warning while hosting the management team of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Asaba, led by its General Manager, Mrs Christie Badung, at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.
Responding to concerns raised by the station, including the need for constant power supply, connection to the state Independent Power Plant (IPP), and mobility vehicles, the Commissioner assured the team of the state government’s commitment to partnering with NTA, Asaba to improve coverage and enhance public access to credible information.
He commended the General Manager for introducing new programmes, reviving previously suspended ones, acquiring new equipment, installing a 30KVA generator, and ensuring an eco-friendly and safe work environment.
According to Aniagwu, “Airtime without content means nothing. Once you have airtime, filling it with meaningful content that meets the aspirations of the people will naturally draw audiences to you; you won’t need to advertise for them to watch.”
He also reflected on the evolution of broadcasting in Nigeria, noting that NTA was once the country’s sole television station and that many renowned broadcasters in private stations today are products of NTA.
Aniagwu attributed NTA’s challenges over the years to two main factors: the influence of government and the institution’s slow adaptation to changing times, as well as competition from newer, more modern stations.
“When you over-censor yourself because of those in political positions, you forget that the station also belongs to the masses. In the end, the very people you want to inform about government activities will not hear you because they have left your airspace,” he said.
Earlier, the General Manager of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mrs Christie Badung, commended the Commissioner for his openness, cooperation, and support toward sustaining peace and progress within the Ministry of Information. She described the visit as a homecoming, noting that the media community is one family.
She praised his leadership, stressing that his dexterity and proficiency have contributed significantly to the peace enjoyed in Delta State. Badung also highlighted the station’s efforts to widen its coverage, with correspondents spread across the Government House, the Asagba’s Palace, the Armed Forces, and other key areas to ensure accurate dissemination of information.
She explained that although NTA is a federal government parastatal, 90 per cent of its staff in Delta State are Deltans. She added that since assuming office, she has acquired two new cameras, an additional editing suite, and a 30kVA generator.
Badung appealed for support to connect NTA Asaba to the state’s Independent Power Plant and provide operational vehicles, expressing confidence that the governor could help make this possible.
