By Maryam Abubakar Gulma in Lokoja.
Kogi State Government and Pora Films on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), for the establishment of
the state’s first-ever television station.
Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, who signed on behalf of the state government that said that when established,the television station would transform the media sector and elevate the state’s visibility on the global stage.
This significant partnership, forged under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, marks the beginning of a new era for the state’s media landscape.
“Kogi is the only state in Nigeria without its own television station, but today, that gap is closed,” she declared.
According to her,the Kogi State television station is also expected to serve as a strategic platform to attract global attention and opportunities to the state.
Mrs. Arike, who expressed confidence in the project’s success, urged Pora Films to uphold the highest standards of professionalism to meet international expectations.
“We believe in the professionalism of Pora Films and urge them to set a standard that will attract collaboration from international bodies,” she added.
The MOU stipulates a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement for five years, with a possible two-year renewal.
After this period, the television station will be fully transferred to the Kogi State Government.
Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications,thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for turning the media dream of the state into reality.
He assured that the station would operate to global standards, adding that the project was a major step forward for Kogi’s information sector.
Olajide Ojoniyi, the team leader of Pora Films, expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government for the opportunity of the project, adding that the company, with over a decade of experience in producing for DSTV, regarded this collaboration as a privilege.
Our correspondent reports that Fanwo witnessed the signing on the government’s side while Olajide Ojoniyi and Adetolu Adejuwon from Pora Films signed as co-owners and lead production team members, respectively.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
