Broadcasting
We Are Ready to Host Africast – Bolarinwa
Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, director general, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has affirmed that the commission is set to host the 2008 Africast conference and exhibitions with the theme: Digitisation and the Challenges of Broadcasting.
He said that the timeliness of the theme of the event as the world is transiting from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting while acknowledging the efforts of the Africast Unit which has worked diligently in the months ahead of the conference, and subcommittees inaugurated to assist in the execution of the conference proper.
The event, comprised of plenary and exhibition sections would be held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers from October 21st to 23rd and is envisioned to be the toast of both local and international broadcast experts and equipment vendors who will be there to showcase both cutting-edge equipment and services as well as discuss current trends in the broadcast industry.
It would also include a film premier on the first night, programmes competition on the second night and a gala night to wrap up this edition during which 5 exceptional broadcasters – Ben Egbuna, former DG, FRCN; Tonnie Iredia, former DG, NTA; Aleogho Dokpesi, CEO, Daar Communications, Sahabi Isa Gada, SSG, Sokoto State and Amin Moosali, CEO, Steam Broadcasting – will be given recognition for their contributions to broadcasting
Bolarinwa disclosed that all the available 50 spaces have been booked by broadcast manufacturers and representatives even as he said that over 400 professionals, academicians and students are expected from the African continent and beyond.
He said: "In this edition of Africast, we are going to have a feel of full digital broadcasting; all questions bordering on this phenomenon – digitisation – would be addressed at the conference."
"The NBC has the Africast Unit which is handling the event and it has received the sum of N17 million," Bolarinwa disclosed. "That is what it has cost the commission to host the event. The added cost is for us to bring our personnel from all over the country to serve on the committee as part of our contribution to Africast, which has come of age."
John Odey, minister of information and communications is the chief host of Africast 2008 and distinguished guests at the event would include: Robert Nkuna, councilor, Independent Communications Authority (Icasa) of South Africa who will deliver the keynote address; Jim Eggan of BBC, London; Steve Buckley of the Community Radio Movement; Joseph Troxler from Switzerland; Anon Doyle from South Africa; Dan Obam from Kenya, as well as Ernest Ndukwe, EVC, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Emeka Mba, among others.