From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, has observed that the Digital Switchover (DSO), is designed to reshape the broadcast Industry to being indispensable in making the world a global village through enhanced communication system.
Malam Garba said he was optimistic that the DSO can take news and other communication ingredients to the door steps of all classes of people, even the most vulnerable.
The Kano Infirmation Commissioner, described DSO as a revolution in broadcasting technology in Nigeria.
According to a Statement by the Director Special Duties of the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, Malam Garba took this position, during the opening ceremony of a Technical Empowerment Training on Free TV Dealership, installation and Activation, which is part of preparation for the Digital Switch Over launch in Kano State.
The Commissioner was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Usman Bala Muhammad.
He further stated that, “apart from economic advantages, the digital switch over would also bring communication to the door step of the most vulnerable segment of the society.”
Malam Garba, however, urged the participants selected from the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano state, to use the acquired techniques and knowledge to empower themselves to become self-reliant, so as to empower others.
He also tasked them to train as many unemployed youth within their domain for the benefit of other members of the society.
He commended National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for organizing the Empowerment training in Kano State.
In his opening remarks, the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Illela, said that over the past decades, the commission has worked in collaboration with stakeholders to transit Nigeria from analoque to digital broadcasting for the benefit of Nigerians.
Malam Shehu Illela said the trainees will become dealers and installers of free TV in their community or organizations and are expected to train others.
He thanked Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his support towards digital transformation of broadcasting.
In their separate remarks, Permanent Secretary, Human Resource, office of the Head of Service, Hajiya Fatima Fulani Sarki and Director General, Abubakar Rimi Television, Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim, Commended the NBC and the state government for organizing the Empowerment training and urged the participants to impart the acquired skills to others who would also eventually be employed for self reliance.
