The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has condemned the demolition of the structure housing the private radio station, Fresh FM, in Ibadan by the Oyo State Government. The Director-General of the NBC, Ishaq Midibbo-Kawu, who made this known in Ilorin, said the demolition was a worrisome development and did not speak well of the state government.
The structure, “Music House”, reportedly valued at N800 million and which had been in operation for 10 years, was demolished in the early hours of last Sunday. The property is owned by a popular musician, Yinka Ayefele.
Mr. Modibo-Kawu said: “The development is worrisome because for all it is worth, the broadcast outfits are playing a big role in reducing unemployment, especially in this situation where many young Nigerians are idle. They also play social, informational, educational and entertaining roles in the society”.
The Head of the body that regulates broadcasting, continued, “Such development does not speak well of the government and has a negative effect on the nation, especially at a point when more broadcasting outfits are influencing the social space in the country. In this case particularly, there are so many issues that can be weaved up negatively by people. We hope that as we move forward, we will be able to find a solution to the situation”.
The NBC boss said when he learnt of the demolition, he made some contacts with some people in the state. Mr. Modibbo-Kawu said he could, however, not stop the exercise from taking place. The NBC boss promised to set up a meeting with the state government on finding a way forward on the issue. He recalled a similar experience in Nasarawa State about a year ago when the property housing Breeze 99.9 FM was demolished and how the NBC intervened and secured some compensation for the station’s owner.
