The Federal Government says it will ensure strict adherence to the plans for 100 percent digital television penetration by next year to pave way for the country to become the biggest nation in Africa with digital stations in 2020.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave the pledge at the 35th Anniversary celebrations of the Silverbird Group in Lagos on Sunday.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, who represented the President at the event, said the present administration is committed to building a vibrant media industry.
He added that his administration would use digital switch to diversify the provision of channels and local content for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“It will not be an exaggeration to describe Silverbird as an iconic company in our media and entertainment industry going by what it has achieved in the last 35 years.
“Silverbird has keyed into an important aspect of our agenda of creating jobs especially for our ever increasing youths, thus helping to force down crimes and enhance security.
“We are still counting on a stronger cooperation with this company, the entire media industry and this government, to ensure attitudinal change among Nigerians to fight terrorism and corruption.
“Sub-Sahara Africa will have 46.46 million primary digital television homes by 2020.
“With adherence to 100 percent digital broadcasts by 2016, Nigeria will be the largest nation in Africa with digital stations in 2020 with an estimation of 9.7 million,” he said.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, expressed happiness for the achievements of Silverbird group.
Saraki called on the management of Silverbird to continue to give their best and ensure that the Nigerian entertainment industry moved forward.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Silverbird Group’s President, said he is grateful to God for the success of the station.
Murray-Bruce expressed satisfaction with what the industry has grown to be and gave kudos to all the major players that had contributed to the growth of the sector these past years.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to the almighty God, my family, especially my mum, who is 89 years old, for standing by me all through these years.
“I also want to thank Mr President for granting us the privilege to have him with us, and those that have been major players in the entertainment industry,” he said.
Lancelot Imasuen, a film-maker, called on other privately owned media companies to emulate the Silverbird group by giving their best to the industry.
“Nigerians cannot live a day without Silverbird Group impacting on their lives in one way or another.
“Silverbird is a pacesetter and we in the entertainment industry must learn some of the ropes that have brought such magnitude of success to the station,” he said.
NAN reports that the celebrations, held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, had top government functionaries in attendance.
-NAN