MLC TV @ 5: PASTOR URGES INVESTORS TO PARTNER STATION, SAYS INVESTMENT CAN CREATE JOBS
By Faith Adikeh
LOKOJA — The Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy, Lokoja, Pastor Ovie Okorodudu, has called on investors, corporate organisations and business leaders to invest in or partner with Malachite TV, popularly known as MLC TV, to create more opportunities for young graduates and contribute to economic development in Kogi State.
Okorodudu made the call during the prayer and thanksgiving programme organised to mark MLC TV’s fifth anniversary in Lokoja.
The pastor commended the Chief Executive Officer of BAVON Communications Limited, owners of MLC TV and Sharon Radio, Billie Avoyi Nwogu, for sustaining the media organisation for five years despite the challenges associated with building and operating a private media business.
He said investment and strategic partnerships with MLC TV would provide opportunities for the organisation to expand its operations, employ more young people and open additional career opportunities for graduates.
Other Christian clerics and Muslim faithful who attended the anniversary also commended the management of MLC TV for what they described as a remarkable achievement in sustaining the station for five years.
They urged the government and other stakeholders to continue to support growing businesses in the state, noting that Kogi remained a developing state where every genuine investment could contribute to economic growth.
The religious leaders stressed that supporting indigenous businesses would help create employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and reduce unemployment in the state.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of BAVON Communications Limited Billie Avoyi Nwogu said MLC TV began five years ago with a vision to inform, educate, entertain and connect the people while using the media as a platform for positive development.
She said the journey had not been without challenges, but the organisation had remained on air and continued to improve its operations.
Nwogu disclosed that MLC TV had provided strategic communication services, covered government programmes and activities of individuals and organisations, produced documentaries and special media packages, and handled various media-related projects.
She also revealed that the organisation had trained more than 50 young people in different areas of media and communication over the past five years.
According to her, the training was part of MLC TV’s contribution to youth development and the effort to equip young people with practical skills and experience in the media industry.
The CEO used the anniversary to appeal to investors, corporate organisations and business leaders to partner with MLC TV, saying the organisation was seeking capital to expand its technology, infrastructure, content production and distribution capacity.
She said the company’s aspiration was to take MLC TV to major satellite and pay-TV platforms, including DStv and Free-To-Air platforms.
Nwogu estimated that between N300 million and N400 million would be required for significant investment in the organisation’s expansion plans.
She said the investment would enable MLC TV to increase its reach, improve its production capacity, create more employment opportunities and train more young people.
“We are open for business, we are open for partnership, and we are ready to grow,” she said.
Nwogu also expressed appreciation to former Kogi State Governor, Dr Yahaya Bello, who she said brought her to Kogi through her work as a reporter with AIT and subsequently appointed her Senior Special Assistant on Electronic Media.
She also commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating an environment that allows businesses and entrepreneurial ideas to develop.
The CEO paid tribute to her late husband, Emmanuel Nwogu, for his foundational contribution to the establishment of the company, saying he supported her dream by registering the company that gave birth to the business.
She equally appreciated past and present members of staff, viewers, subscribers, followers, partners and supporters for their contributions to the growth of MLC TV.
Nwogu said the fifth anniversary was not the end of the journey but another milestone, stressing that BAVON Communications remained committed to building a reputable media organisation founded on professionalism, integrity, innovation and service.
The anniversary programme featured prayers, thanksgiving and goodwill messages from religious leaders, guests, partners and supporters of the media organisation.
