Okonjo-Iweala backs Bloomberg TV’s operation in Nigeria

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed her support for the recent inauguration of the Bloomberg TV Africa in the country.

During the North American launch of Bloomberg TV Africa in Washington DC, Okonjo-Iweala said the establishment of the media unit in Nigeria was a welcome addition to the country’s growing economy.

“This will be the first station – TV station – from abroad to be based in Nigeria and I think you’ve got it right,” the minister said, according to a Bloomberg statement.

Addressing an audience of 70 delegates, who were in Washington DC to attend the World Bank-International Monetary Fund annual meetings, she commended the Bloomberg Media Group for having the foresight to base its production and operational hub in Nigeria.

She added, “I want to say to all who are not in Nigeria that if you’re not in Nigeria, you’re not in Africa; so, I think Bloomberg TV has got it right.”

The Chairman, Bloomberg Media Group, Mr. Andy Lack, expressed excitement at his organisation’s plans for the Nigerian market.

He said, “We at Bloomberg believe in Nigeria, its people and its role in the developing African growth story. Our partnership with the Nigeria-based Optima Media Group has enabled us to develop a platform for Africa’s growing business and financial community that will significantly extend our presence across the continent.”

The Chairman, Optima Media Group and Vice-Chairman of Bloomberg TV Africa, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, said, “Bloomberg TV Africa will deliver the highest quality news and business programming that will empower Africans to tell their story from their own perspectives.

“We aim to provide relevant and up-to-date information to enable African business leaders to make informed business and investment decisions.”

According to the statement, the event was attended by several personalities, including the President, African Development Bank, Dr. Donald Kaberuka; the Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; and Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti.

Others were Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, and a representative of the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, among others.

The North America launch of Bloomberg TV Africa is the first in a series of launches, according to the statement.

It said further events would be held in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.

Bloomberg TV Africa is expected to begin full operations from its Lagos hub in the first quarter of 2014, with three to four hours of business programming available to African viewers each day.

She added, “I want to say
to all who are not in
Nigeria that if you’re not in
Nigeria, you’re not in
Africa; so, I think
Bloomberg TV has got it
right.”

Tolexander: This is a nice developement!madam should watch her words cos this may be used against her by the other african countries in the future if she's still nursing the ambition of becoming the world bank president.

Capnd143: If and only if the likes of Ait and channelsTV will get a clue 4rm them!

Tolexander: This is a nice developement!madam should watch her words cos this may be used against her by the other african countries in the future if she's still nursing the ambition of becoming the world bank president.

Tolexander: This is a nice developement!madam should watch her words cos this may be used against her by the other african countries in the future if she's still nursing the ambition of becoming the world bank president.

Afam4eva:
If they don't, they'll die a natural death. Even Ebony Life TV that was opened a few months back is up to international standard and other Nigerian stations should take a cue from them.

Afam4eva: I think this is a welcome development. Anything to get our local TV stations cracking and leaving their medieval ways of running TV.

Tolexander: This is a nice developement!madam should watch her words cos this may be used against her by the other african countries in the future if she's still nursing the ambition of becoming the world bank president.

Afam4eva:
She's speaking as Nigerian leader and there's nothing wrong in that. Even if she becomes the president of world bank, will that stop her from being a Nigerian?

olaezebala:

Mehn, that station de represent no be small

Tolexander: This is a nice developement!madam should watch her words cos this may be used against her by the other african countries in the future if she's still nursing the ambition of becoming the world bank president.

Tolexander: ya, there is nothing wrong in speaking like a nigerian and being the world bank president won't stop here from being a nigerian but mind you, her being a nigerian won't be the vehicle to the presidency but with the help of other nations which the other african countries are part of, though their votes may be minimal.

texazzpete: Okonjo Iweala should go and sit down. She's on the FEC...what has she - along with her cohorts - been doing to ensure that NTA gets the drastic overhaul it sorely needs?

It's 2013 and the 'Giant of Africa' cannot even broadcast in HD. Nearly all live events covered by NTA have abysmal audio and video quality. Such an utter disgrace.