Broadcasting
NBC Staff Accuse Lai Mohammed of Fraudulent Award of 30 Radio Licences
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture, has been accused by staff of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of securing presidential approval for radio licenses for 30 unvetted and unprocessed companies.
The staff, who described themselves as Concerned NBC staff, made the allegation in a petition dated 19 March and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the petition, the licenses were awarded without the knowledge and input of the NBC, which they described as unprecedented in the commission’s history.
“Broadcasting in Nigeria is in grave danger and national security has been breached, because no company is expected to be issued a license before passing through the processing by the regulatory agency, the NBC; and only after such a company has been thoroughly vetted by security authorities in Nigeria.
“In the case of the 30 new companies that the Minister of Information has just secured approval for, they are companies owned by friends, political associates, and cronies of Alhaji Lai Muhammed.
“They are being offered radio licenses as political and personal freebies without the normal procedures of the NBC being followed; without the knowledge of the NBC, the regulatory body normally charged with the responsibility,” the petition read.
The staff also accused the minister of systematically emasculating the commission and called on the President to call him to order.
“We respectfully urge you (Buhari) to order the immediate cancellation of the licenses. They were procured through the backdoor; they flouted the normal procedure and they breached Nigeria’s national security. Please, call Alhaji Lai Muhammed to order.
“He should allow the NBC to carry out its statutory functions. He is not the Minister of NBC affairs,” the staff stated.
They accused Muhammed of a personal agenda, pointing to last week’s announcement of the appointment of Alhaji Lateef Bolarinwa as the Chairman of the commission’s board. Bolarinwa was the chairman of Mohammed’s faction of the Kwara All Progressives Congress (APC), which lost out in the state congress to the faction supported by Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman.
“The plan is to be in total control of the broadcasting sector, as part of an overall political agenda, for the Presidency, in 2023. Surely, the personal agenda of the Minister of Information should not be more important than the national interest.
“We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the relevant security agencies to wade into these illegal and controversial activities of the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed,” the staff said.
Broadcasting
Africa Magic Announces Call for Entries for 11th AMVCA
Africa Magic, in partnership with MultiChoice, is thrilled to announce the call to entry for the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Entries open on Monday, 23 December 2024, and close on Friday, 31 January 2025.
The AMVCAs celebrate exceptional talent, creativity, and innovation within the African film, television, and entertainment industry, showcasing the continent’s finest storytellers, performers, and production professionals.
Consequently, filmmakers, producers, production companies, creators, are encouraged to submit films, made-for- television movies or television series that were broadcast or publicly screened, from 1 December, 2023 to 31 December, 2024, for a chance to be recognized at Africa’s most prestigious awards event.
Speaking on the upcoming edition, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said, “The AMVCAs have become a beacon of excellence, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of African storytelling.
“We are excited to once again open the doors for talented creatives across the continent to showcase their remarkable work to the world.”
The 11th AMVCA promises to be a spectacular celebration of African entertainment, giving our talented creatives their flowers and creating unforgettable memories.
The event will be broadcast live on Africa Magic channels across the continent, bringing the glitz and glamour of the awards to millions of viewers.
To enter your submissions and for more information and updates on the AMVCAs, visit https://www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA.
Also follow Africa Magic on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @africamagic to stay in the know.
Broadcasting
Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
Aero Contractors recently hosted its Long Service Award Ceremony, a momentous event dedicated to honoring distinguished retirees for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the organization.
The ceremony, which celebrated loyalty and excellence, featured the presentation of recognition plaques and the disbursement of retirement benefits to the honorees. Among those celebrated were:
•Capt. Gerald Nmoka
•Stephen Kukoyi
•Promise Amadi
•Victor Aitanun
•Nwankwo Stephen N.
The management of Aero Contractors expressed profound gratitude to these outstanding individuals, whose dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the airline’s growth and success over the years.
Speaking at the event, Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, underscored the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition within the organization. “Our retirees have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. Their legacy will continue to inspire our team as we build a brighter future for Aero Contractors,” he stated.
As a leading airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors remains committed to supporting its employees and creating an environment that values their contributions. This commitment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold its reputation as a trusted, value driven airline”
Broadcasting
NAFDAC Dismisses False Claims of Approving ‘Lung-Cleansing Tea’
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved a herbal product marketed as “lung-cleansing tea” for smokers.
Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, in a statement on Saturday, December 14, clarified that the product, identified as Lungitox (Smokers Pride), was never approved and had its registration application rejected due to its unsubstantiated health claims.
“The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read.
“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.
“The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.
The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.”
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and scientifically validated products are approved.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.
“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.
“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.”
Adeyeye provided contact information for reporting such claims, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.
“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”
The agency reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all products in the Nigerian market meet the required safety and efficacy standards.
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