Ebonyi Govt. To Privatize State Owned Media Outfits

By Our Reporter

Ebonyi state Executive Council has approved the privatization of the State-owned media outfits, Ebonyi Broadcast Corporation EBBC, which houses the  Salt FM and salt Television stations. Also, to be privatized is the State owned newspaper, 'Nigeria Patriots'

The state Executive have  the approval during the State Executive meeting, held on Monday at the Executive chambers, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Okpo, who disclosed this in a press briefing on Tuesday, said the governor also approved the ceding off the Ebonyi State Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Nigerian Patriot.

The Commissioner said, "After an exhaustive deliberation on the administrative status of the State-owned Radio and Television Stations, the EBBC, the Council approved the ceding off of the Corporation to become an independent outfit. 

"The implication of this is that the Corporation will become a Public Liability Company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC. 

"This is aimed at raising the productivity level of the corporation as well as boosting accruable economic returns to the State Government. 

"The same applies to the Ebonyi State Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Nigerian Patriot.

"With this development, the staff of the establishments who no longer fit into the new administrative/independent configuration of the outfits are to be posted to other MDAs where their services are needed to further their careers.

"EXCO noted that this reform is not in any way tilting towards sacking any member or staff of the establishments but sees this as a move to re-jig the outfits towards making them fully independent, business-oriented, and self-reliant."

Okpo also stated that Governor Nwifuru has directed the State Head of Service, Mary Rita Okorocha to advertise for the positions of the Auditor General of the state and that of the local government following the existing vacancies and the need to be filled up.

He added: "In preparation for the 2025 fiscal year, EXCO commenced ministerial debates and defence for the MDAs, marking the commencement of the processes preceding the official presentation of the budget proposal to the House of Assembly for statutory legislative consideration and approval.

"To this effect, the Council further approved the Citizens budget participatory engagement, which will take place on Wednesday, 27, 2024, at Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, by 10:00 am."