The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has tasked the management of Alpha Institute of Broadcasting and Communications (AIBC) to ensure the utilisation of its professional potentials in the discharge of its duties.
Nsirim, who said this at the graduation ceremony of first and second batches of Course 2019, weekend in Port Harcourt, said the ministry believed in the enormous professional potentials of the institute.
According to the commissioner represented by the Director of Research and Statistics, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr Dan Oruwari, “as a ministry, it is our belief that the professional potential of AIBC is enormous when fully realised and unleashed on the broadcasting and media industry in the state in particular and the nation at large”.
He however, said the institute was bound to face challenges in the realisation of its objective.
“Our appeal in the circumstances is that its founders and management should find strength in the wise saying that “tough times do not last, but tough people do”.
Nsirim urged the graduands to use the opportunity provided by the programme to carve a niche for themselves in the broadcast industry.
In his address, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the institute, Mr Kalada Wilson said the institute was established to fill the prevalent training gap and updating of skills of broadcasters, public speakers and communicators to keep pace with the changes and trends in the vibrant broadcast and communication sector.
“The birth of AIBC was further inspired by the clamour for an institution where quality and responsive journalism, presentation and public speaking will be taught, while leveraging on the experiences and alliances with leading broadcast institution nationally and globally”, he said.
Wilson listed the durations of courses at the institute to include regular course which runs for 16 weeks, weekend programme for working class people, executive classes, short term courses amongst others.
He also used the occasion to eulogise the founder of the institute, Late Pastor Bernard Opubo Graham Douglas, who died recently.
About 26 students participated in the graduation ceremony.