As the Edo State government prepares for migration from analog to digital television, known as the Digital Switch-over(DSO), plans are underway to establish the Edo State Broadcasting Commission (ESBC).
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu made the disclosure weekend when he received the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission(NBC), Balarabe Shehu Illelah in Government House.
Speaking through the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Jimoh Ijegbai who represented him during the visit, he noted that the Constitutional provision did not bar the state from setting up its own ESBC, saying that the NBC regulatory role will not be disturbed in the process.
Against this background, Comrade Shaibu said that the Edo Broadcasting Service(EBS) will be transformed to take its proper place in the digital television industry and hinted that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki was already working towards achieving the aim.
He said that government will embark on a massive enlightenment campaign and mobilization to sensitize the people on the gains and benefits of digital television, adding that Nigerians have been hoping for it and that it is better late than never.
The Deputy Governor also explained that the digital television will come with its accessory of Set-top-boxes which will interpret the digital signals for a better viewing experience.
“His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki is one who takes citizens very dear to his heart. He will ensure that citizens have those boxes”, Comrade Shaibu noted.
Besides, he assured the Director-General that government will not do anything that negates the setting up of the NBC as it will continue to have overriding control.
His words:” For us in Edo State, we shall promote what is fair and just. We hope to have affirmative approval. The broadcast industry will be better for it”, Comrade Shaibu affirmed.
Speaking earlier, Illelah called for adequate investment in EBS for it to be a fully digitized and massive awareness campaign to allow Edo people to fully understand the rudiments of the digital switchover.
He added that plans have been made to engage information officers in the state on the DSO, stressing that the Set-top-boxes should be subsidized.
He also advised the government to buy the boxes for distribution to institutions including schools and ministries as part of the efforts to ensure a smooth transition.
The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon Andrew Adaze Emwanta, Esq, who received the DG at the Benin Airport and was present during the visit, in a separate remark hailed the onset of digital television to Edo State.
According to him, with the DSO, subscribers who purchase the Set-top- boxes (decoders) can view about 30 stations free without charges, observing that the viewing experience is incomparable as analog television is now being phased out in Nigeria.
