Media Complex Lights Up Yenagoa

A new media complex that houses the three Bayelsa State-owned communication outfits has been unveiled by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
The complex at Azikoro area of Yenagoa shares boundary with NTA and NUJ Secretariat.
Though mooted by the immediate past administration, the current Governor, Senator Douye Diri pushed it to completion as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office.
The complex is named after the late media icon and pioneer editor of the Daily Times, established in June 1925.
Though it is yet to be equipped, the multi- purpose-built edifice with 430 offices, 107 restrooms, two restaurants and other facilities houses the state-owned media outfits, namely, Radio Bayelsa, Niger Delta Television and the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the New Waves Newspaper.
Ayu praised the legacy of Ernest Ikoli, who was the first Editor of Daily Times and also a nationalist.
He commended the performance of the state governor, saying the party was proud of his achievements in two years.
He said it takes a man of great commitment to do so much in such a short time when some others were still struggling to find their footing in governance.
He said despite the initial hiccups in his first year, Governor Diri stood against all odds and is breaking new grounds through the inauguration of several projects.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa State, Comrade Samuel Tubonengi said the complex provides hope for the state moribund media stations, as they will be operating in a conducive environment.
In addition, he said it will motivate media workers, as he praised the state governor for fulfilling his promise to revamp the media stations.
” I believe that if they are fully equipped, they will be one of the best in Nigeria,” Tubonengi added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA), Francis Dufugha said the project falls short of the initial vision as proposed by fomer governor, Chief Diepriye Alamieseigha.
Dufugha disclosed that the initial plan was for a media village to be sited at Gbarantoru, where the state television station is located.
Said he, “It was proposed that the complex will comprise accommodation for senior and junior staff, including media workers.”
The BIPA Chairman emphasised that ” though it is a good thing to do, but everything must not be in Yenagoa and as far as it is not yet furnished, then, it is not complete. We want to see a completed and functional complex.”

By: Kevin Nengia