Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday re-launched the Lagos Weekend Television (LWT) to provide 50 hours non-stop telecast, just as he charged the management of Lagos Television (LTV) to tap into technological advancement in the media industry to better serve the public and attain global standard.
The Governor, while unveiling the new LWT logo at the Combo Hall, LTV grounds, Agidingbi, also charged the operators to ride on the crest of technological development to enhance socio-economic development and empowerment of the people.
The unveiling of the rebirth of LWT revived the golden era of television broadcasting of the 80s.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello, also urged the management of the media outfit to harness the benefits of the global knowledge and entertainment bank to drive the process.
While reiterating the belief of the present administration that the power of electronic broadcast particularly television should be properly harnessed for the day to day running of state affairs, Governor Ambode urged the management staff of the media house to air programmes that would engage the public and enhance economic development.
“We want to assure Lagosians that our government will not leave anything to chance in the quest to keep you at pace with information as they emanate.
“It is important to reiterate at this point that our government is very convinced about the need to constantly bring residents up to speed about what is new in terms of information communication between us and every stakeholder in the Lagos project.
“We believe that without effective information dissemination machinery like LTV/LWT, our people will be kept in the dark and when that happens, the public tend to misinterpret the lofty ideas of government, no matter how commendable they are”, the Governor said.
He paid glowing tribute to the First Executive Governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande under whose administration the Lagos Television was conceived and delivered.
Governor Ambode also recalled very vividly as a young boy growing up in Lagos how the theme song of the LWT heralded the commencement of non-stop weekend entertainment for every household in an era when ownership of video playing equipment was not widespread.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde reiterated the determination of the Ambode administration to reposition LTV as the station of first choice, assuring that the present administration would build on the vision of the pioneers of the station.
Ayorinde said:”The administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode sees Lagos Television beyond the pedestrian appreciation of a state-owned TV station established to merely educate, inform and entertain.
“Rather, the administration sees the state broadcasting stations as veritable tools for social mobilization, reformation and re-orientation.
“They are thus part of the state apparatus for achieving the all-important desire of running an all-inclusive government that constantly engages the mass of the people so that we can all key into the vision of the government,” Ayorinde said.
The event attracted the first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, some members of the State Executive Council, notables from the broadcast industry and regulators including the Zonal Director, National Broadcasting Commission, Bunmi Cole and the Executive Secretary, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Segun Olaleye, among others.
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