Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, said the decision by his administration to construct the massive Ernest Ikoli Media Complex in Yenagoa was borne out of the important role the media plays in societal development.
The complex houses the three state-owned media outlets, Radio Bayelsa, Niger Delta Television and New Waves Newspaper.
Speaking during a visit to the complex on Tuesday, Diri expressed satisfaction with the newly installed digital broadcast equipment, which he said were the best in the industry.
Diri in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, while appearing live interview on NDTV, said:
“I saw the level of decay in the physical infrastructure, especially of the radio station arising from a storm.
“The television station was far away in Gbarantoru and knowing the importance of the media, I said something had to be done.
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He added, “When we inaugurated this structure (in February 2022), there were a lot of naysayers who said we were inaugurating an empty structure.
“But today I am happy I am live here on NDTV and I am seeing very modern equipment that are arguably comparable to the best in the industry.
“The three senatorial roads are important to us. That is why we are investing so much in them,” he said.
According to him, “It is unfortunate that some people are playing politics with it by making comments on areas they do not have the requisite knowledge rather than seeking the opinion of experts.”
Governor Diri also visited Radio Bayelsa, where he partook in a live programme.
Some ad- hoc staff undergoing training at the television station, were also given immediate employment in the state civil service, courtesy of Diri.
